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 reports to the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, and works across a global, matrixed organisation, advising senior leaders and supporting them to make informed decisions. It 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

Required profile

• Significant experience in corporate communications, corporate affairs, media relations, reputation or issues management, including complex or sensitive matters
• Ability to advise senior leaders and influence stakeholders across a complex, global organisation
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional communications workstreams in fast-moving environments

Required skills

• Horizon scanning, media and social intelligence, reputation research and measurement
• Excellent writing and synthesis skills, able to turn complex information into clear narratives, executive briefs and recommendations

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
• Share ownership plan, company insurance cover and salary sacrifice and packaging options
• Career development and education assistance, and family-friendly wellbeing support
• Vacation, paid parental and sick leave, plus employee discounts and possible domestic relocation assistance