Principal Adviser Strategic Communications & Issues Management

About the role

Rio Tinto is looking for a Principal Adviser – Strategic Communications & Issues Management to help shape and protect its global reputation. The role provides trusted counsel on complex, high-profile matters, identifies emerging reputation risks and opportunities and turns complex information into clear recommendations, narratives and communication strategies. It reports to the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, within a global, matrixed organisation, and is based in Perth or Brisbane.

Key responsibilities

• Lead proactive reputation strategies and communications programs aligned with business and enterprise priorities.
• Lead cross-functional communications workstreams for complex reputation issues, giving strategic counsel and coordinating responses.
• Monitor societal, geopolitical, regulatory, industry and stakeholder developments to spot emerging reputation risks and opportunities.
• Use horizon scanning, media and social intelligence, reputation research and AI-enabled tools to track changes in stakeholder perceptions.
• Provide reputation intelligence during emerging issues and incidents, supporting crisis communications, preparedness and scenario planning.
• Develop reputation opportunities through corporate storytelling, executive positioning and thought leadership.
• Evaluate communications outcomes and use insights and analytics to improve performance and build issues and reputation capability across the function.

Required profile

• Significant experience in corporate communications, corporate affairs, media relations, reputation or issues management, including complex or sensitive matters.
• Strong strategic judgement, able to advise senior leaders and influence stakeholders across a complex, global organisation.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional communications workstreams in fast-moving environments.
• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.

Required skills

• Excellent writing and synthesis skills, turning complex information into clear narratives, executive briefs, recommendations and strategies.
• Horizon scanning, media and social intelligence, reputation research and measurement, including emerging digital and AI-enabled tools.

What we offer

• A permanent position with a competitive base salary and annual incentive program.
• Medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family, plus company-provided insurance cover.
• An attractive share ownership plan and extensive salary sacrifice and packaging options.
• Career development and education assistance, and ongoing family-friendly health and wellbeing support.
• Vacation, paid parental and sick leave, plus exclusive employee discounts and possible domestic relocation assistance.