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. Consolidating what were previously two co-lead roles, the Director owns the function’s strategy, messaging, channel mix, stakeholder engagement and performance measurement, and represents Australia on IEEFA’s Global Communications Team.  

The Director leads a small, high-performing team that produces a significant volume of timely, objective, high-quality content. The priority for the role is to lift IEEFA Australia from a largely reactive, publication-driven model to a more strategic and responsive one — packaging research for impact, engaging audiences when issues are live, and building the measurement and systems that demonstrate influence. The Director protects the team’s editorial and design strengths while expanding its reach across digital, social and 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, independent and 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 personnel located in 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, own and implement IEEFA Australia’s communications strategy, aligned to strategic goals, including positioning, messaging, channel mix and measurable objectives 

• 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 with analysts 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) to maintain relationships with journalists and identify opportunities for increased media coverage 

• Drive the organisation’s political 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, branding and message consistency 

• Maintain relationships with partners and identify opportunities for collaboration 

• Build and maintain a 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-issue handling and 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 of demonstrated experience 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, media and stakeholder engagement, including demonstrated experience 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, with a track record of building audience engagement and followership 

• Experience setting and reporting against communications metrics and KPIs, and using insight to improve performance 

• Experience in finance, energy, public policy or the not-for-profit sector is highly favourable 

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

• Permanent working rights in Australia 

Compensation and Benefits  

Full-time employment contract with remuneration $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 as required.  

Location and Travel  

The Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement will work remotely and may be based anywhere in Australia. Some travel is required. Attendance is required at 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 discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy/parental status or 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 should submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio of their work. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please be sure to add notifications@app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us. 

Compensation$150,000 - $170,000 AUD