Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement, Australia

Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement,Australia (Remote)

The Director of Communications, Australia is the strategic leader of IEEFA Australia's media and communications function, responsible for translating IEEFA's evidence-based research into influence with media, government, financiers, funders and partners and increasing the Institute's audience and profile.Consolidatingwhat were previously two co-lead roles, the Director owns the function's strategy, messaging, channel mix, stakeholderengagementand performance measurement, andrepresentsAustralia on IEEFA's Global Communications Team.

The Director leads a small, high-performing team that produces a significant volume oftimely, objective, high-quality content. The priority for the role is to lift IEEFA Australia from alargely reactive, publication-driven model to a more strategic and responsive one - packaging research for impact, engaging audiences when issues arelive, andbuilding the measurement and systems thatdemonstrateinfluence. The Director protects the team's editorial and design strengths while expanding its reach across digital,socialand direct-engagement channels.

The Director will have excellent judgement, a solid understanding of energy issues, strong media and stakeholder relationships, sound political instincts, and the ability to maintain IEEFA's reputation as a credible,independentand evidence-based source. A proactive, hands-on approach and 'can do' attitude are vital to help increase the impact and timeliness of our work.

IEEFA is an NGO/not-for-profit that researches and analyses financial and economic issues related to energy markets, trends, and policies. Headquartered in the United States, IEEFA has a team of 70+ analysts and communications personnellocatedin 15 countries across the globe. IEEFA produces a significant volume of original research and ongoing analysis and reports on issues affecting energy industries. Our major research reports, daily analysis, press coverage, and other resources can be found on our website:www.ieefa.org.

Responsibilities

• Develop,ownand implement IEEFA Australia's communications strategy, aligned to strategic goals, including positioning, messaging, channelmixand measurableobjectives

• Lead, develop and support a team of 4-6 communications professionals - managing performance, wellbeing and day-to-day priorities, and building capability across roles

• Work collaboratively withanalysts to provide strategic media and communications advice on framing, key messages, timing, effective products/formats, and creative launch campaigns

• Oversee media engagement, work with the media manager (to be appointed) tomaintainrelationships with journalists andidentifyopportunities for increased media coverage

• Drive theorganisation'spolitical engagement strategy, steward senior-level relationships with political stakeholders, pursue engagement opportunities on live policy issues

• Oversee social media, EDMs/newsletters and the stakeholder database/CRM, ensuring targeted, well-governed engagement and the ability to push assets when topics are live

• Work with the Managing Editor to ensure all communications outputs meet IEEFA standards for quality, accuracy, editorial integrity,brandingand message consistency

• Maintain relationships with partners andidentifyopportunities for collaboration

• Build andmaintaina consistent communications KPIs and dashboard (for media, web, social, engagement) with a regular reporting rhythm, aligned to the global KPI framework

• Serve as an active member of IEEFA's Global Communications Team (GCT), fostering effective working relationships and contributing to cross-regional collaboration, standards, campaigns, shared platforms, and positioning

• Advise and support the CEO on reputation management, government and funders relations, contentious-issuehandlingand crisis communications

• Ensure sound operational governance, including routine archiving, documented processes for the contacts database, and effective use of project-management tools (e.g.ClickUp)

• Other duties as assigned, including some travel within Australia or internationally to attend IEEFA or external events

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years ofdemonstratedexperience in energy or related field

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience in communications,mediaand stakeholder engagement, includingdemonstratedexperience developing and leading communications strategy and supervising teams

• Exceptional media relations skills and an established network across national, specialist and ideally financial/energy media

• Strong understanding of Australian government, policy and parliamentary processes, and sound political judgement in a politically sensitive environment

• Proven ability to translate complex, technical research into clear, engaging messaging and content for non-specialist audiences

• Experience developing and executing digital content strategies across social media and web platforms, witha track recordof building audience engagement and followership

• Experience setting and reporting against communications metrics andKPIs, andusing insight to improve performance

• Experience in finance, energy, publicpolicyor the not-for-profit sector is highlyfavourable

• Various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite and remote working collaboration tools

• Permanent working rights in Australia

Compensation and Benefits

Full-time employment contract withremuneration$150,000 - $170,000 AUD base, plus super. Our competitive benefits package includes Annual Leave, Personal/Carer's Leave, Long Service Leave, Paid Parental Leave, a Professional Development Allowance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a home office set-up stipend, a co-working space stipend, a monthly mobile phone allowance, and technology equipment provided.

Work Schedule

Full-time,38 hours/week, with occasional evening or weekend work asrequired.

Location and Travel

The Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement will work remotely and may be based anywhere in Australia. Some travel isrequired. Attendance isrequiredat occasional global IEEFA conference and team retreat. Quarterly in person team meetings alternate between Sydney and Melbourne.

Physical Demand and Work Environment.

Must be able to work for prolonged periods at a computer. Computer work can involve repetitive motion, eyestrain, back and neck strain.

Diversity and Inclusivity

We value diversity at IEEFA. All members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing all employees with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminateon the basis ofrace, religion,colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy/parentalstatusor disability status.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

IEEFA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at +1-704-620-3447. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

To Apply

Qualified applicants shouldsubmita resume, coverletterand portfolio of their work. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please be sure to add[email protected]to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.