Natural Hazards Research Australia is seeking a dynamic and innovative Communications Manager to join our team.

Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for storytelling and engagement? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where media relations, stakeholder collaboration, and digital presence drive impact?

Do you want to make a difference as part of an organisation that contributes to the resilience and safety of the community?

Full-time, ongoing

Based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney

Flexible hybrid working conditions

Salary range $125,000 – $135,000, plus superannuation with generous parental leave provisions

Applications close 11:59pm AEST Tuesday 2 June 2025

Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) is Australia’s national centre for natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction. The Centre addresses the major challenges arising from natural hazards, including bushfires, floods, cyclones, heatwaves, storms and other hazards. The Centre undertakes research that promotes resilience to the impacts of natural hazards and reduces disaster risk, supporting the needs of a variety of critical stakeholders – including emergency service agencies and communities – in mitigating impacts of, responding to and recovering from disasters caused by natural hazards.

Purpose of the position

The Communications Manager plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative of our Centre’s research and broader communication initiatives.

You will manage a small team to support the delivery of an integrated multi-channel communications strategy. This will include sourcing, writing, editing, proofreading and distributing research content across a range of internal and external channels including media releases, publications, newsletters, websites and social media.

A key part of this role is to advise and lead media engagement, working with media contacts, partner organisations, and stakeholders to ensure effective knowledge transfer, while managing the Centre’s digital presence and supporting key events.

You will provide thought leadership, innovation and creativity for the Centre’s communications capability to meet the requirements of our rapidly changing digital media ecosystem.

Tertiary qualified in a relevant discipline, you will have at least ten years professional experience and skills in communications and publications.

The position will be located in one of the Centre’s nodes in either Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney, with flexible working conditions available from these locations.

Selection Criteria

Specific knowledge and/or experience required

Highly developed written and verbal skills in communication across a range of formats.

Extensive experience in developing print and online content for a diverse range of audiences.

Excellent organisational, team and collaboration skills.

Experience in science communication, preferably with an organisation in emergency management, the environment or the research sector, nationally or internationally.

Strong proficiency in the Office 365 and Adobe Creative Suite.

Tertiary qualifications in a communications, journalism, public relations or related field.

At least ten years relevant work experience.

Desirable knowledge and/or experience

Relevant skills, experience or knowledge of science communication would be highly regarded.

Desirable behaviours

A self-starter able to work independently.

High level of emotional intelligence for managing and leading small teams.

Able to thrive in a remote working environment with staff and stakeholders dispersed nationally.

Natural Hazards Research Australia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with family and caring responsibilities.

Application process

Applications close 11.59pm AEST Tuesday 3 June 2025.

To apply, please submit a two-page CV and one-page cover letter introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the role and addressing the key selection criteria to [email protected].

For more information contact Ainsley Burgess – [email protected].

Employment may be subject to the successful completion of a security screening process.

To be considered, you must have the right to work in Australia.