This role can be based in Canberra, Melbourne or Sydney
Position Overview
The EL1 Strategic Communications Manager is responsible for leading the development, coordination and delivery of strategic communications that support organisational priorities, corporate governance obligations and reputation management.
The role combines strategic communications leadership, high‐level writing and editorial expertise, and sophisticated project management, with particular responsibility for the end‐to‐end delivery of the Entity's Corporate Plan and Annual Report. These flagship publications require strong narrative capability, disciplined planning, and the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, authoritative products for senior leaders, government and the public.
Duties and responsibilities
* Lead the strategic development, content authoring and end‐to‐end production of the Federal Court of Australia Listed Entity Corporate Plan and Annual Report, including stakeholder engagement, governance processes, approvals and delivery to statutory timeframes.
* Lead project and contractor management for the production of the Federal Court of Australia, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and National Native Title Tribunal Annual Reports, working in close partnership with nominated Communications leads.
* Work collaboratively with senior communications staff to develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies and plans that support organisational objectives and reputational outcomes.
* Provide high‐quality report writing, strategic content, planning input and executive briefings as required.
* Develop, maintain and monitor a comprehensive communications project timeline, in collaboration with senior communications colleagues, to ensure coordinated delivery of priorities across the function.
* Provide creative direction and quality assurance for graphic design outputs, including corporate publications, infographics, social media assets, presentations and campaign materials, ensuring consistency with brand and accessibility standards.
* Build and manage effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external contractors, facilitating collaboration, issue resolution and timely delivery of outputs.
* Oversee and manage procurement activities on behalf of the Communications function, ensuring compliance with relevant legislative, policy and governance requirements.
Selection Criteria
* Demonstrated experience leading and managing the end‐to‐end production of Annual Reports, from planning and coordination through to clearance and submission, within complex organisations (experience in the Australian Public Service or State Government is highly regarded).
* Exceptional written communication skills across multiple formats, including corporate reporting, strategic documents, digital content, copywriting and social media, with the ability to translate complex and technical information into clear, engaging and authoritative content.
* Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and advanced project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‐quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
* Proven capability to develop and implement strategic communication plans aligned to organisational objectives and stakeholder needs.
* A collaborative and inclusive team player with demonstrated staff leadership and people management experience.
* Strong track record in building and managing complex relationships, and influencing outcomes across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
* Outstanding stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, including the ability to work effectively and confidently with senior executives.
* Experience working in or with government, including a sound understanding of APS Values, governance requirements and communication protocols, is highly desirable.
Mandatory or desirable qualifications
* Degree in Communications, Marketing, International Relations or Public Policy and Governance.
* Project Management qualifications will be highly regarded.
* Significant experience working in State or Federal government or complex organisations.
Applications close on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 11:30pm (AEST).
Contact Officer
For more information, please contact Abbi Clifford Director Communications via email abbi.clifford@fedcourt.gov.au
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