Strategic Communications Manager Just posted!

• EL1 hourly rate contract, 12-months + possible extension
• Located in Canberra, ACT
• NV1 Clearance Required

About the Department

The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead communications across its infrastructure portfolio in the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This role is responsible for developing and delivering a proactive communications agenda that advances Australia's strategic objectives, showcases the AIFFP's contribution to regional development, and strengthens its reputation as a trusted infrastructure partner.

About the Role

The Strategic Communications Manager leads integrated communication strategies, campaigns and products that position AIFFP as a trusted, high-performing infrastructure partner, strengthen stakeholder confidence, manage reputational risk and support Australia's public diplomacy objectives.

Working closely with AIFFP investment teams, DFAT staff overseas, and stakeholders across government, the role identifies strategic opportunities, anticipates emerging issues, and translates complex technical and policy content into compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Drawing on strong communications judgement, the manager advises senior executives and project leads, oversees external communications and creative suppliers, and uses insights and evaluation to maximise communications impact.

Key Duties

• Lead the development and delivery of proactive and integrated communications strategies and campaigns that build awareness of the AIFFP's impact and strengthen Australia's reputation as a trusted infrastructure partner in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior executives and project teams, identifying opportunities, managing risks and recommending effective communications responses.
• Develop strategic narratives and messaging that translate complex infrastructure information into clear, accessible and fit-for-purpose communications for government, partner governments, media and public audiences.
• Lead communications planning and high-quality product development for significant announcements, Ministerial engagements, and major project milestones, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder interests.
• Anticipate, monitor and manage emerging communications risks and issues, providing timely advice and recommended responses to protect and enhance AIFFP's reputation.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across DFAT, Australian Government agencies, diplomatic missions, and other stakeholders to advance communications outcomes.
• Draft and coordinate approval of high-quality communications products, including media releases, speeches, talking points, digital and social media content, and factsheets/explainers.
• Manage external communications providers and campaigns, ensuring delivery of high-quality, innovative and value-for-money communications products and services.
• Monitor and report on media coverage, using audience insights and data analytics to inform communications strategy, measure impact and continuously improve performance.
• Foster a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration and communications excellence through leadership, coaching and capability development.

Key Skills and Capabilities

Behavioural capabilities

• Strategic thinking that inspires purpose and direction
• Builds productive internal and external relationships
• Communicates with influence - clear, targeted, concise
• Leads teams, mentoring people to achieve results

Technical capabilities

• Proven experience developing and delivering strategic communications strategies and campaigns
• Strong writing skills across a range of audiences, including in partner countries
• Experience managing media, reputational and stakeholder issues in complex environments
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders with competing priorities
• Uses communications insights and analytics to inform decisions and improve impact

Knowledge capabilities

• Understanding of Australia's foreign policy objectives and Pacific engagement
• Knowledge of strategic communications, reputation management and public diplomacy
• Principles
• Understanding of Pacific contexts and the ability to develop culturally appropriate, locally
• resonant communications
• Understanding of government decision-making and Ministerial environments

How to Apply

Click APPLY or contact Bryan Creith, Director, Recruitment at bryan@fprs.com.au for further information on the role.

Please submit applications in Word format only by 10am, 18th September 2026.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions is a majority Aboriginal owned agency providing contingent contracts, fixed term contracts and permanent recruitment solutions to Government and Corporate Australia.

Our Head Office is based in Canberra with a national reach to all the states and territories, regional and remote areas of Australia.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.

Consultant

marisa@fprs.com.au

Reference number: 200004342
Profession:GovernmentGovernment Federal

Company: First People Recruitment Solutions
Date posted: 9th Sep, 2026