Position Description

Senior Communications Lead

Role Specifics

Direct reports | 0

Reports to | Director of Operations

FTE | 1.0 (Full-Time)

Location | Flexible - PLACE functions as a remote/hybrid workforce

PLACE Level | 3

Salary Range | $110,000 - $130,000 + superannuation

The Senior Communications Lead will design, implement, and oversee PLACE’s communications strategy during its critical start-up phase and beyond. This role will be pivotal in shaping and communicating PLACE’s brand, narrative, and value proposition, ensuring that the organisation is recognised as a leader in supporting place-based approaches.

The Senior Communications Lead will manage all internal and external communications, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with PLACE’s vision and values. This role will build PLACE’s visibility, credibility, and engagement with key stakeholders, including communities, funders, and government partners.

Role Summary

Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) is a not-for-profit organisation, committed to collaborative, community-driven approaches to create impactful and lasting change.

It is our vision to enable communities and governments to jointly decide on matters that are most important to our lives. We lead national initiatives to develop workforce strategies, enhance place-based practices and improve data monitoring and evaluation.

At PLACE, we are dedicated to creating lasting change through understanding, action and empowered governance.

Who We Are

Areas of Responsibility

1. Strategic Communications Leadership

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy, aligned with PLACE’s strategic objectives, to build the organisation’s visibility and credibility.

  • Position PLACE as a thought leader in place-based approaches by showcasing its evidence, initiatives, and impact.

  • Lead on brand development and management, ensuring PLACE’s identity is consistent across all channels and communications.

  • Advise the CEO and leadership team on high-impact communications opportunities and risks.

2. External Communications and Media Relations

  • Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, coordinating interviews, and building relationships with journalists.

  • Create and oversee PLACE’s digital communications strategy, including the website, social media, and newsletters, ensuring engaging and professional content.

  • Develop and disseminate reports, presentations, and other public-facing materials to promote PLACE’s work and achievements.

  • Monitor and evaluate external communications efforts, using insights to refine strategies and improve effectiveness.

3. Internal Communications

  • Develop internal communications systems to keep staff informed, aligned, and engaged with PLACE’s vision and activities.

  • Work closely with functional Directors to ensure their team’s priorities and achievements are effectively communicated within the organisation.

  • Design and implement tools (e.g., intranets, newsletters) to streamline and strengthen internal communication processes.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Craft messaging and materials tailored to PLACE’s diverse audiences, including communities, funders, policymakers, and the general public.

  • Work collaboratively with PLACE’s functional teams to communicate the organisation’s value proposition to external stakeholders.

  • Support the CEO and leadership team in preparing for public speaking engagements, events, and advocacy efforts.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Develop and implement systems to monitor the effectiveness of PLACE’s communications, including audience reach, engagement, and sentiment.

  • Use insights from monitoring to continuously improve PLACE’s messaging, content, and delivery channels.