Overview
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Circa $160,000 plus super according to experience
Remuneration circa $160k + super, according to experience
Additional benefits include free on-site parking
Canberra based, with flexibility for 1-day WFH per week
After hours work may be required from time to time
About the Role
CBR Recruitment is delighted to partner with RSL Australia, a leading voice for veterans (both current and former serving ADF members) and their families. RSL Australia works on behalf of the independent State and Territory Branches to shape policy, legislation, and the national agenda on veterans’ affairs with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders. RSL Australia also advocates to ensure the needs of veterans and their families are met, and their voices are heard at a national level.
The Strategic Communications Advisor is a new senior leadership position within RSL Australia's national office, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and National President. This role has been created to strengthen the RSL's national communications capability during a critical period of implementation following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Based in Canberra and working alongside the Policy and Government Relations Advisor, this role is integral to positioning the RSL as the essential partner for Royal Commission implementation.
The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who understands that effective national communications in a federated organisation requires influence, consultation and coordination rather than directive control. You will work closely with State Branch communications teams through the Marketing and Communications Committee (MaCC) to develop cohesive national campaigns while respecting each Branch's capacity to adapt messaging for their unique audiences and circumstances.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead national communications strategy aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
* Coordinate and facilitate national campaigns across State and Territory branches, ensuring consistent branding and messaging.
* Develop shared resources and brand guidelines to maintain national positioning with local flexibility.
* Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing regular intelligence briefings to senior leadership.
* Manage crisis communications protocols for rapid, consistent responses to sensitive issues.
* Create high-quality advocacy content including media releases, opinion pieces, and ministerial correspondence.
* Oversee social media strategy and digital content to grow engagement and reach.
* Design and implement stakeholder engagement frameworks, building relationships with media, government, and sector partners.
* In partnership with the Policy and Government Relations Advisor, support government relations activities in Canberra, including parliamentary and ministerial engagements.
* Coordinate representation at major sector events and maintain stakeholder relationship systems.
What You Will Need (selection criteria)
* Demonstrated senior experience (minimum 7 years) in strategic communications, public affairs or government relations, preferably within federated organisations, membership bodies or the not-for-profit sector
* Strong stakeholder relationship management skills with experience engaging government, media, sector partners and membership constituencies
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience developing high-quality advocacy content, speeches, submissions and media materials
* A good understanding of the Australian Government policy and political landscape, including parliamentary processes, media relations and stakeholder engagement
* Experience managing crisis communications and sensitive issues requiring rapid, coordinated responses
* Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned to organisational strategy
* Relevant tertiary qualifications; an understanding of the defence community, parliamentary advocacy, or not-for-profit governance would be highly regarded.
The Reward
You will be rewarded with a permanent, full-time role, interesting work which has a tangible impact, along with the opportunity to be part of a small, cohesive team committed to excellence.
To find out more about this excellent opportunity, please telephone Shelley Kowalski from CBR Recruitment on 02 6103 7000, email hello@CBRrecruitment.com.au, or click “Apply”. Applications, consisting of your current CV, along with a two-page pitch which addresses the selection criteria (above) close on Thursday 19 February 2026.
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