Communications Manager – Media and Editorial
About
About Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative for the Australian Government that enables workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Timor-Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program's (PLMSP) role is to provide the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and governments in 9 PICs and Timor-Leste with support to enable workers to access PALM scheme in inclusive ways that maximise the benefits for the workers and national economies while minimising risks from labour mobility participation. Palladium is contracted to deliver PLMSP on behalf of DFAT.
This Opportunity
The
Communications Manager – Media and Editorial
will be responsible developing high-level media strategies that protect and enhance the reputation of the PALM scheme in Australia, the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. The position will work closely with the PLMSP Communications Lead to inform and build understanding amongst stakeholders in the Pacific islands and Timor-Leste, influence perceptions, manage risks and promote the benefits and achievements of labour mobility. The position will develop locally relevant place-based media and engagement strategies across a range of print, broadcast and digital formats including local and regional media, trade and industry media, and social media. This includes the development of contextualised messaging for regions and industries and local media risk management strategies.
This is a fixed term opportunity required to September 2028.
The
Communications Manager – Media and Editorial
will be responsible for:
* Develop strategic communications materials, including key messages, media releases, talking points, case studies and backgrounders.
* Prepare counter‑narrative strategies and responses to address negative sentiment about the PALM scheme in Australia and sending countries.
* Provide expert communications advice to internal and external stakeholders to protect and strengthen the program's reputation.
* Identify story and content opportunities, oversee content planning, and manage development calendars across PLMSP and partner channels.
* Lead editorial quality control, including copy‑editing and proofreading media releases, social content, reports and other communications documents.
* Supervise media monitoring activities and produce high‑quality monthly and biannual media reports.
* Provide line management and coaching to Editorial and Media Coordinators, ensuring clear expectations and high‑quality delivery.
* Support capability building across LSUs by upskilling staff in media relations and broader communication activities.
We Are Seeking An Individual Who
* Relevant tertiary qualification in journalism or public relations with experience in stakeholder engagement, crisis communications or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education.
* Minimum 10 years' relevant work experience in developing and implementing targeted communications and marketing strategies or public relations.
* Demonstrated media relations experience, including the ability to liaise with journalists, produce media backgrounders, pitches and press releases, and an understanding of the Pacific media environment.
* Experience working on aid programs and/or whole-of-government (WOG) initiatives, and a subsequent understanding of reporting, public diplomacy and representation requirements.
* Demonstrated experience in stakeholder mapping and engagement to create targeted communication and marketing strategies.
* Experience in managing communication teams and technical inputs, including sub-contractors.
* Exceptional writing and editing skills.
* Desirable: Experience working in the Pacific.
* Desirable: Comfortable and skilled in acting as a spokesperson in both broadcast and print media interviews.
We are committed to building a diverse, geographically dispersed workforce to maximize our support. We encourage applications from candidates from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste, and across Australia. You must have valid Australian or country specific work rights to be considered for this position - visa sponsorship is not available.
We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Disclosing about your disability will not negatively affect your application. Please tell us as much as you feel comfortable for us to work with you about the appropriate adjustments that you might need. If you would like further information or assistance with this, please contact
How To Apply
To apply visit
Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.
About Palladium
Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.
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