• Opportunity to work at Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE), a national not-for-profit organisation that supports the adoption and impact of place-based approaches across Australia.
• Join at an exciting time, as the PLACE team builds its foundational team during its establishment phase, in preparation for its first steps of growth as a new organisation.
• $110,000 - $130,000 (FTE) per annum excluding superannuation.
• Full time (1.0) fixed-term position
• Flexible national location, with hybrid conditions - available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney or regional Australia.
• The successful candidate will undertake domestic travel regularly as part of this role.

The Senior Communications Lead will design, implement, and oversee PLACE’s communications strategy during its critical start-up phase and beyond. This role will be pivotal in shaping and communicating PLACE’s brand, narrative, and value proposition, ensuring that the organisation is recognised as a leader in supporting place-based approaches.

The Senior Communications Lead will manage all internal and external communications, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with PLACE’s vision and values. This role will build PLACE’s visibility, credibility, and engagement with key stakeholders, including communities, funders, and government partners.

Who you are (selection criteria):

• You hold relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• You can demonstrate proven experience in leading communications strategies, ideally within a not-for-profit or purpose-driven organisation.
• You possess strong expertise in media relations, branding and content creation across multiple platforms.
• You possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to craft compelling narratives and diverse audiences.
• You have experience in developing and implementing internal communications systems to support staff alignment and engagement.
• You have proficiency in digital tools, including website management, social media platforms, and analytics software.
• You have demonstrated experience working collaboratively across teams with external stakeholders, including government, funders and community organisations.
• You are comfortable in a start-up environment; you manage multiple competing priorities with a proactive and adaptable approach.
• You demonstrate a commitment to PLACE’s vision, values and principles, particularly around community leadership and shared decision-making.

Research indicates that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised individuals often wait until they fulfil every requirement. If you believe you have the attributes to do the job but don't match every point on the job ad, we welcome and encourage your application.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy, aligned with PLACE’s strategic objectives, to build the organisation’s visibility and credibility.
• Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and building relationships with journalists.
• Develop internal communications systems to keep staff informed, aligned, and engaged with PLACE’s vision and activities.
• Craft messaging and materials tailored to PLACE’s diverse audiences, including communities, funders, policymakers, and the general public.
• Develop and implement systems to monitor the effectiveness of PLACE’s communications, including audience reach, engagement, and sentiment.

Please see the Senior Communications Lead Job Description for more.

Establishment Phase Priorities:

• Lead PLACE’s initial communications efforts during the establishment phase, including the creation of foundational materials (e.g., branding guidelines, templates, and the first annual report).
• Design and launch PLACE’s website and social media presence, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.
• Establish systems for tracking and managing PLACE’s communications outputs (e.g., media coverage, stakeholder engagement metrics).

Who we are:

Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) is a not-for-profit organisation, committed to collaborative, community-driven approaches to create impactful and lasting change. By leading a national workforce strategy, we support community needs through place-based solutions.

It is our vision to enable communities and governments to jointly decide on matters that are most important to our lives. We lead national initiatives to develop workforce strategies, enhance place-based practices and improve data monitoring and evaluation.

At PLACE, we are dedicated to creating lasting change through understanding, action and empowered governance.

What we offer:

• True flexibility and a strong focus on agility in the workplace; we prioritise making flexible work arrangements possible for all employees.
• Access to Fringe Benefits Tax options, in addition to base salary and superannuation.
• A team of supportive and passionate people committed to maintaining a positive workplace culture and making an impact.
• 5 weeks of Annual Leave for every 12 months of employment.
• Two days volunteering leave for every 12 months of employment.
• A leadership team that truly wants you to flourish and make your mark on the organisation.
• A workplace that prioritises both diversity and inclusion, allowing everyone to bring their authentic selves to work in an environment that ensures psychological and physical safety.
• Hybrid work environment and flexible working arrangements (the opportunity to work where you live).
• Cultural and Ceremonial leave.
• A Learning and Development budget per employee, prioritising professional development for our employees.

How to apply:

To express your interest, submit an online application through this portal and include a professional resume. All applicants must also provide brief responses to the application questions that are included as part of the online application.

Note: we do not accept cover letters as part of our application process.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, so don’t delay your application.

If you require additional adjustments, or would like to discuss any access needs as a part of the application and recruitment process, then please contact us via email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Communications Lead - PLACE - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

PLACE is an equal opportunity employer and strives to maintain a workplace environment that is fair and free of discrimination, is safe and accessible for all employees, and provides working arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of our staff. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally- and linguistically-diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and people of every ethnicity, faith, ability, culture, language, gender identity, age, and sex.

Employment in this position is conditional upon reception and maintenance of a Working With Children Check.

As part of our employment screening process, we do run police checks. But don’t worry—having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you.