Manager, Corporate Affairs and Communications

The Manager, Corporate Affairs and Communications is responsible for protecting and enhancing AgriFutures Australia's 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 releases/statements and corporate publications that are persuasive, accessible and aligned with AgriFutures strategic priorities.

• Modelling AgriFutures Australia values and behaviours.
• Leverage an established network of journalists and editors, bringing these relationships into the role, while actively cultivating new contacts to lead proactive media relations and secure positive coverage across mainstream, regional and industry outlets.
• Act as the first point of contact for media enquiries and prepare timely, accurate responses in collaboration with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement issues management strategies, including preparation of Q&As, 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 Australia's corporate reports (e.g., annual report, strategic R&D plan, annual operational plan).
• Manage the corporate narrative and key messages, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and brand positioning; coordinate production of opinion pieces, speeches and media releases
• Drive best practice communications delivery, including the maintenance and adoption of AgriFutures Brand Guidelines, Editorial Style Guide, Tone of Voice and Audience Personas.
• Monitor and report on media coverage, stakeholder sentiment and emerging issues affecting rural industries.
• 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.

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum 5+ years' experience in communications, media or corporate affairs
• High-level writing and editing skills for various audiences and channels, with excellent attention to detail
• Established networks across the Australian media landscape (mainstream, regional and industry), with a demonstrated track record of securing coverage and growing those networks
• Demonstrated experience producing briefing materials for Boards, Ministers and senior executives
• Project management experience in developing and delivering corporate publications and campaigns end-to-end
• Experience in monitoring, analysing and reporting on media coverage, stakeholder sentiment and reputational risk, with ability to prepare concise, actionable reports for senior executives and Boards

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

• 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?
• 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?
• 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?
• Stakeholder Engagement: How have you built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance the delivery and impact of programs or initiatives?