Communications and External Affairs Manager

About the role

The Communications and External Affairs Manager will lead the public voice of the Greater Melbourne Foundation, shaping its brand, media presence and advocacy to advance the organisation’s social‑justice mission outlined in Strategy 2030.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies across brand, media, content and external affairs.
• Build public awareness and trust through strategic messaging, storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage media relations, proactive outreach, issues management and reputational risk response.
• Lead external affairs across leadership, sector enablement and community impact tiers, aligning activities with community needs.
• Collaborate with the Impact Team and Narratives & Storytelling Lead to ensure alignment of narratives and community insights.
• Advise the CEO and senior leaders on public positioning, speeches and media engagement.
• Supervise a small team and external contractors, setting priorities and ensuring coordinated delivery.

Required profile

• Senior‑level communications professional with proven experience in brand management, media relations and public affairs.
• Strong understanding of the non‑profit/philanthropy sector and social‑justice issues in Greater Melbourne.
• Excellent strategic thinking, stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.

Required skills

• Strategic communications planning
• Media relations and issues management
• External affairs and advocacy
• Leadership of small teams and external partners