Job Description Start early June as confirmed in email to John Position: EL1 Communications Manager Location: Canberra Start date: ASAP Duration: 6 months with potential to extend Pay rate: $128,075 to $142,348 Security requirements: Baseline security clearance eligibility and Australian citizenship required Overview: This opportunity is suited to an experienced communications professional with a strong background in strategic communications, media engagement and stakeholder management within a complex environment. Working within a fast-paced team, the successful candidate will lead the delivery of priority communications, engagement and media activities while supporting organisational objectives through high-quality communication strategies and outcomes. The role will suit someone who can confidently provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders, manage competing priorities and deliver high-profile communication and engagement activities with a high degree of autonomy. Experience across digital communications, event management and issues management will be highly regarded. Responsibilities: • Develop and implement strategic communication plans aligned with organisational priorities • Provide strategic communications advice to senior stakeholders and business areas • Lead media engagement activities including media releases, enquiries, talking points and executive support materials • Plan and deliver high-profile events, conferences and stakeholder engagement activities • Manage communication materials to ensure consistent branding and messaging • Monitor media and emerging issues and provide timely strategic advice • Oversee website, digital communication channels and social media content • Analyse communication and digital performance metrics and recommend improvements • Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies targeting a range of audiences • Lead internal communication initiatives and organisational engagement activities • Coordinate communication activities to agreed deadlines, standards and priorities • Support vendor management, reporting and communication project delivery Experience/requirements: • Demonstrated experience in communications, media, public affairs or a related field • Proven capability delivering strategic communications, media engagement and event management outcomes • Strong written communication skills including development of executive briefs, media materials and stakeholder communications • Experience providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders and executives • Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills • Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure • Experience within government, regulatory or policy environments will be highly regarded • Understanding of issues management and reputational risk management desirable • Experience engaging with industry, regional or stakeholder-based organisations desirable • Must be an Australian citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance • Must satisfy the requirements of an Australian Federal Police Check Apply now or contact SOS Recruitment on 6260 8888 for a confidential discussion. PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this role will close on 2pm Monday 25 May 2026. If your application is received after this date, we’ll be happy to keep your CV on file for similar opportunities that may come up. We encourage you to apply even if the closing date has passed. SOS Recruitment is committed to workplace diversity and equity in employment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, women, people with family responsibilities, and individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, religious and LGBTIQ backgrounds.