Manager, Communications

PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION BEFORE APPLYING

About AgriFutures Australia

At AgriFutures Australia our vision is to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities. We do this through the delivery of research, development and extension programs for our established and emerging industries. We also deliver programs that address the key challenges and important issues currently facing, and on the horizon for Australian agriculture including AgriFutures evokeAG. and AgriFutures growAG. We place people at the centre of everything we do. We listen, connect and collaborate domestically and globally with emerging leaders in agriculture, industry bodies, other Research Development Corporations (RDCs) and government.

About the Manager, Corporate Affairs & Communications

Based in AgriFutures Australia head office in Wagga Wagga, NSW (however exceptional remote applicants will be considered), this full-time, ongoing/permanent role is responsible for protecting and enhancing AgriFutures Australia brand, reputation and relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, media and the community.

This role provides strategic communications advice, leads proactive public relations, manages issues and crisis communications and ensures AgriFutures voice is influential and trusted across all audiences. A core requirement is the ability to write with authority, clarity and impact - producing speeches, ministerial briefings, media statements and corporate publications that are persuasive, accessible and aligned with AgriFutures strategic priorities.

In this role, you are responsible for a range of duties across a variety of programs and activities including:

• Modelling AgriFutures Australia values and behaviours.
• Lead proactive media relations, including cultivating relationships with journalists, briefing media, and identifying opportunities for positive coverage across mainstream and industry outlets.
• Act as the first point of contact for media enquiries and prepare timely, accurate responses, working with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement issues management strategies, including preparation of Q&A s, holding statements and coordinated responses to reputational risks.
• Support the preparation of briefing material for AgriFutures Australia management, Board Directors and Ministers.
• Coordinate responses to Questions on Notice (QoNs) and other formal government inquiries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and consistency with organisational messaging.
• Project manage the development and distribution of AgriFutures Australias corporate reports (e.g., annual report, strategic R&D plan, annual operational plan).
• Manage the organisational key messages and corporate narrative, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and brand positioning.
• Coordinate the production of general communications content such as opinion pieces, speech notes and media releases (including writing and commissioning specialist content as required).
• Monitor and report on media coverage, stakeholder sentiment and emerging issues affecting rural industries.
• Drive best practice communications delivery, including the maintenance and adoption of AgriFutures Brand Guidelines, Editorial Style Guide, Tone of Voice and Audience Personas.
• Manage and deliver the corporate media calendar, including regular liaison with corporate PR providers and media outlets to generate positive publicity outcomes.
• Maintain daily interactions with suppliers, contractors and agencies that assist with delivery of communications results.
• Establish and maintain constructive working relationships with internal and external key stakeholders.

At AgriFutures Australia, you\u2019ll be part of a vibrant and forward-thinking organisation committed to growing the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities. We offer:

• A welcoming, inclusive and innovative workplace culture
• A meaningful role supporting finance and operations across nationally significant programs
• Professional development and learning opportunities
• Flexibility in working arrangements

AgriFutures Australia is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all.

Applications for this role must be submitted via email to prior to 5pm AEST on Monday 15 September 2025. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED VIA LINKEDIN WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter addressing the following selection questions:

1. Strategic Communication & Writing: Please provide an example of a time you developed high-level communications material (e.g. ministerial brief, Board paper, media statement). How did you ensure it was clear, persuasive and aligned with organisational priorities?
2. Public Relations: Tell us about a proactive media or public relations campaign you led. What strategies did you use to generate positive coverage and how did you measure success?
3. Project Management: Provide an example of a major publication or corporate reporting project you managed (e.g., annual report, strategic plan). How did you coordinate inputs, maintain accuracy and deliver to deadlines?
4. Stakeholder Engagement: How have you built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance the delivery and impact of programs or initiatives?