Engagement & Communications Manager

About Barkuma

Barkuma is a not-for profit organisation that provides a range of services to assist people with disability.   For over 50 years, Barkuma has provided an environment of self-determination that opens up a lifetime of limitless learning and opportunity. Together, we establish the capacity and confidence to transition out of high school and continue to build a lifetime of independence that makes quality employment and accommodation outcomes possible.

Our Purpose is to partner with people on the journey to their best life.

Your Next Role

The Engagement & Communications Manager leads a dynamic multifunctional team that works collaboratively across Barkuma to providing leadership and oversight to the customer journey and experience throughout onboarding and the internal and external communications messaging of the Barkuma brand to raise the public and sector profile of Barkuma. This role requires an understanding of how communications contribute to supporting vulnerable individuals, making a meaningful impact on their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and provide day-to-day support to the Communications and Customer Experience team to manage service agreements and support client onboarding; while setting clear expectations, conducting regular performance reviews, fostering professional growth through coaching and mentoring, and cultivating a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with Barkuma's values.
• Develop and implement brand, communications, and marketing strategies to enhance visibility and engagement across Barkuma's service markets, while producing clear, engaging, and accurate written content for various platforms—including website, blogs, internal communications, and social media—in alignment with organisational tone, style, and brand guidelines.
• Regularly review and analyse competitor activity across relevant platforms, including websites, social media, and marketing channels, to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks. Provide insights and recommendations to inform organisational strategy
• Collaborate with Executive and Service Managers to align communication strategies and customer onboarding processes, while providing leadership and guidance on event management, corporate and community partnerships, and Barkuma membership initiatives.
• Monitor sector developments, including NDIS and Inclusive Employment, to ensure communications remain relevant, competitive, and compliant.
• Identify, lead, and implement improvements to the customer journey to enhance client experience and satisfaction.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the departmental budget in line with Barkuma's financial policies, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost control across marketing, events, and communication activities, and delivering reporting and forecasting to achieve value-for-money outcomes in all areas of responsibility.
• Additional duties as directed within the employee's skill, competence and training.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• Proven experience in a similar role, with strong knowledge of communications, customer experience, and digital platforms (including social media, email marketing, and analytics).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organised with strong multitasking abilities, capable of prioritising projects, meeting deadlines, and proficient in business software platforms.

Qualifications and Clearances:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Current NDIS Worker Screening or DHS Disability Clearance (or willingness to obtain).
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module 'Quality, Safety and You' (or willingness to obtain).
• Child Safe Environments training (or willingness to obtain).
• Infection Control training (or willingness to obtain).
• DHS Working with Children Check.
• Current Australian Driver's Licence (minimum P2).
• Full working rights for Australia.

Other Conditions:

• Preferred experience and/or understanding of the disability sector and major funding streams including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Disability Employment Services (DES)
• Ability to work and travel across different Barkuma sites
• Occasional after-hours and weekend work required

Why Join Barkuma?

• Permanent role – full-time employment
• $18,550 Salary packaging option
• Ongoing training and career development
• Access to min 6 annual sessions on support and counselling services with work or personal matters through our Employee Assistance Program
• Free Flu Vaccination
• Superannuation
• 5 weeks of Annual leave
• A very supportive, flexible, and collaborative team culture like no other

To find out more about Barkumavisit us at:

To apply

Please send applications including resume and email/cover letter outlining why you would be the suitable candidate for this role.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and

With respect, no recruitment agencies please.  Candidates must have work rights for Australia.  Barkuma is an equal opportunity employer.

Shortlisted applicants only will be contacted.