Strategic Communications Director

RGIT Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Flexible hours

5 extra paid days off

Flu vaccinations

Professional development opportunities

Competitive base salary + superannu

Job summary

Climate Council is seeking a Strategic Communications Director to transform research into messaging that moves people and to coach our team to do the same.

You will lead cross-organisational programs, drive research-informed messaging, and guide communications across publications, online content, ads and media engagement. This full-time, hybrid role is based in Sydney or Melbourne.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in a senior communications, journalism, political and/or campaigning role.
• Climate communications familiarity is highly regarded but not essential.
• Proven ability to translate insights from research into persuasive messaging.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills with ability to engage audiences.
• Familiarity with research methods and translating insights into messaging.
• Experience shaping narrative and applying messaging advice.
• Ability to coordinate projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Shape the national climate narrative by turning research into messages that cut through noise.
• Lead cross-organisational programs and coach the communications team on best-practice messaging.
• Drive research and message development to give persuasive guidance to staff, spokespeople and stakeholders.
• Guide reports and written material to sing with the right messaging tone for key audiences.
• Lead cross-organisational activities to help Climate Council achieve its goals.

Skills

Senior communications experience

Climate communications familiarity

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research methods proficiency

Narrative shaping

Messaging advice

Project and team coordination

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications

Job description

The political noise is loud, and the truth about our polluters needs to cut through. We’re after a Strategic Communications Director who can transform research into messaging that moves people — and coach the rest of us to do the same.

• Shape the national narrative: turning research into messages that cut through the political noise.
• Lead cross-organisational programs and coach our communications team on best-practice messaging.
• Full-time, hybrid role based in Sydney or Melbourne.

About the role:

You’re a passionate and expert communicator, ready to bring the Climate Council’s strategy to life and shape the national climate change narrative. You’ll drive our research and message development - turning communications research insights into persuasive advice for our staff, spokespeople and a broad range of stakeholders. This is all about real-world impact: working with a wide variety of stakeholders to improve climate communications across the board.

As a member of our leadership team, you’ll support and guide our communications specialists to deliver strong communications across our publications, online content, ads and media engagement. You’ll shape our reports and other written material so they sing - hitting all the right messaging notes for key audiences. You’ll be comfortable leading cross-organisational activities to help us achieve our goals.

You will have:

• 10+ years’ experience in a senior communications, journalism, political and/or campaigning role.
• A background in climate communications is highly regarded, but not essential. Experience gained in politically-contested issues, advocacy or campaign environments is equally valued.
• A tertiary qualification in communications or a related field.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with a proven ability to shape content so it’s fit for purpose and meets strategic goals.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage audiences and influence others.
• Familiarity with research methods, with a proven ability to translate insights into effective messaging.
• Practised in shaping narrative, formulating messaging, and applying message and communications advice.
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate projects and teams.

What we offer our employees:

• Supportive and healthy work/life balance through hybrid options and flexible hours.
• Enjoy 5 additional paid days off each year to focus on your wellbeing.
• Yearly flu vaccinations to help you stay well.
• A passionate, friendly, and knowledgeable team where every voice is heard and valued.
• A strong annual base salary plus superannuation, and recognition payments.
• A culture of celebrating people's achievements, both professionally and personally.
• Opportunities for professional development.

About Climate Council:

Climate Council is Australia’s own independent, evidence-based organisation on climate science, impacts and solutions. Powered by our incredible community, we advocate for solutions that rapidly drive down emissions, and shape the national conversation about the consequences of inaction.

Our vision: Australia has acted decisively, protecting the people and places we love from the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

Our mission: We are a courageous catalyst propelling Australia toward bold, effective action to slash our climate pollution and contribute positively to global action.

Our Goal: In 10 years, Australia will be powered by the sun and wind, with clean energy flowing through our homes, cars, industries and communities. We’ll be leading the world in climate action, building a fair, thriving green economy and leaving fossil fuels behind. Together, we’ll be safer, stronger, and proud of the country we’re shaping for the future.

Our values:

• We are brave and bold
• We are hopeful and solutions focused
• We act with integrity and communicate honestly

The Climate Council is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, genetic information, or political affiliation.

At the Climate Council we are committed to building a neuro-inclusive team and encourage applications from neurodivergent individuals. The climate Council works out of co -working spaces, our offices are open plan and staff work on a hot desk basis. We are happy to discuss any accommodations to support your success. Applicants may be required to complete a written task as part of the recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We aim to contact all applicants regarding the outcome of their application.

Company Overview

Climate Council is Australia’s own independent, evidence-based organisation on climate science, impacts and solutions.