ORGANISATION

Community Foundations Australia (CFAus) is the national network and support body for community foundations in Australia. We work to strengthen and connect community foundations and nurture the conditions for equitable, community-led change. CFAus builds and amplifies the collective voice of the network, ensuring that community foundations are recognised as essential community infrastructure and agents of systemic change.

BENEFITS AND CULTURE

Pioneering field catalyst model of support for community foundations network

Small, agile and national team committed to work/life balance and team wellbeing

Travel opportunities

ROLE

We are seeking a strategic, values-driven communications professional to lead our external communications and campaign strategy. This role is critical to raising the profile of Community Foundations Australia as a national organisation, while shifting the broader narrative around the power of community philanthropy.

The Strategic Communications Manager will develop and implement clear, purposeful messaging that elevates our public voice, builds trust with key stakeholders, and supports the growth of our field. You will shape narratives that position community foundations as key partners in addressing national challenges through locally led solutions.

This is a part-time (0.4 FTE) role, with flexible work arrangements (hybrid or remote options available).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Strategic Communications Manager has three core responsibilities:

Strategic communications and brand positioning

Narrative and campaign development

Organisational communications infrastructure

Strategic communications and brand positioning

Develop and implement a strategic communications plan that aligns with CFAus’s organisational strategy and strengthens our public identity.

Lead the development of key messaging that communicates CFAus’s role as a credible national support organisation and field catalyst.

Ensure consistency in tone, messaging, and visual identity across all platforms and outputs.

Monitor and evaluate communications outcomes against key performance indicators.

Use insights and feedback to iterate on strategies and tactics to ensure impact.

Narrative and campaign development

Design and deliver narrative-shifting campaigns that amplify the value and impact of community philanthropy.

Work with CFAus members and partners to tell compelling stories that reflect the power of local leadership and community-led solutions.

Identify and pursue opportunities to influence public dialogue, including op-eds, media engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Produce high-quality written and visual content for a range of platforms (website, reports, newsletters, social media).

Manage media relationships and generate positive media coverage for CFAus and its members.

Develop media releases, talking points, and backgrounders to support proactive and responsive media activity.

Organisational communications infrastructure

Strengthen internal systems and templates for communications delivery across the organisation.

Develop and maintain a communications calendar aligned with strategic priorities.

Advise and support CFAus team members in delivering aligned messaging across projects.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, campaign development, and media engagement, ideally in the non-profit, philanthropic or community sector.

Strong writing, storytelling and content creation skills, with the ability to adapt tone and format for diverse audiences.

Demonstrated ability to lead narrative-building efforts that shift public perceptions or elevate underrepresented voices.

An understanding of the role of communications in field-building, advocacy, and systems change.

A collaborative and self-directed working style, comfortable operating in a small and agile team.

A commitment to equity, justice, and community-led change.

Familiarity with audience insights, digital marketing tools, and communications evaluation frameworks.

Design or visual storytelling skills is desirable.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Open to experimentation, learning, and adjustments along the way; comfortable with ambiguity and able to work effectively in a dynamic and growing organisation.

Self-starter that embraces a mix of independent leadership and working with others.

APPLY NOW

If you're someone who’s not just fluent in strategy and storytelling, but who brings curiosity, heart and a commitment to social change, we encourage you to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter responding to the 'skills and experience' section above.

For any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Rosie Funder via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Strategic Communications Manager.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Please note there is no formal closing date for this role. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Community Foundations Australia is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to the wellbeing of its team of staff and volunteers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.