Communications Specialist

- Full-time (1.0 FTE) for two years, moving to an ongoing 0.8 FTE role thereafter
- Based at Chisholm's Dandenong campus, with flexible hybrid working
- Lead strategic communications for complex, high-impact initiatives and reputation priorities
- Victoria's premier public vocational education and training provider

Chisholm is Victoria's premier public vocational education and training provider, welcoming some 41,000 students each year across campuses in Melbourne and the south east. A Victorian Government-owned TAFE, Chisholm is committed to excellence in education and training that enhances the social and economic futures of individuals, industry and communities.

The Role

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist leads the development and delivery of strategic communications for complex, high-impact initiatives and reputation priorities that support Chisholm's vision and strategic plan.

You'll develop and execute communications strategies, messages and content across multiple channels, and manage press office activity including media relations, award nominations and external opportunities. With exceptional storytelling and presentation skills, you'll translate complex information into simple, engaging language, proactively identify media stories and angles, manage issues and reputation, and provide trusted communications counsel to stakeholders across the Institute.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and deliver strategic communications approaches for complex, high-impact initiatives and reputation priorities, aligned to Chisholm's vision and strategic plan.
- Manage press office activity including media relations, award nominations and profiles, proactively building a pipeline of opportunities across traditional and digital media.
- Lead media request triage and response coordination, managing day-to-day enquiries and sensitive, high-risk matters in line with escalation protocols and approval processes.
- Develop strategically aligned narrative, key messaging and audience-appropriate content across owned and earned channels, from newsletters and social media to website, print and video.
- Lead communications diagnostics and post-campaign reviews, translating insights on stakeholder sentiment, reputational risk and narrative performance into actionable recommendations.




- Project manage cross-functional communications workstreams, coordinating subject-matter experts, channel owners and agency partners to deliver outcomes within timeframes.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing counsel and evidence-based recommendations on communications best practice.
- Provide direction, review and feedback to the Communications Coordinator on delegated execution, and support Institute events and wider Marketing team priorities.

Key Selection Criteria

Success in this role requires not only strong skills and expertise but also alignment with Chisholm's core values - collaboration, accountability, integrity and respect. You are a positive and collaborative professional who contributes to a supportive and dynamic work culture, helping to ensure the team remains strong and cohesive.

To excel in this role, you should have:

- Demonstrable experience developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans, with proven results in complex, technical or nuanced environments.
- Highly skilled in narrative-led storytelling, with the ability to convey complex information in clear, simple language.
- Exceptional written, verbal and digital communication skills, with a strong sense of news judgement, editorial quality and attention to detail.
- Proven experience developing and implementing media strategy, with existing media relationships and a detailed understanding of the Australian media landscape.
- Experience coordinating content across owned and earned channels, with confident use of communications, digital and social media tools.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the maturity to counsel and collaborate with diverse internal and external groups.
- Experience in issues and crisis management, and working across multiple corporate communications portfolios concurrently, either in a PR agency or in-house.
- A relevant degree and postgraduate qualification with relevant experience,



or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
- A current Working With Children Check and unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

Why Join Chisholm?

At Chisholm, you'll be joining a values-driven team within Victoria's premier public TAFE - an organisation genuinely committed to enhancing the social and economic futures of individuals, industry and communities. Chisholm offers a range of benefits designed to support your skilled growth and personal well-being:

- Meaningful, Purpose-Led Work: Contribute to an organisation that inspires success and transforms lives through education and training across Melbourne's south east.
- Flexible Working Environment: Based at the Dandenong campus with hybrid working, giving you the flexibility to balance your work and life.
- Professional Development: Access ongoing learning and development to support your growth and build your communications career.
- Supportive Team Culture: Be part of a collaborative team guided by Chisholm's values of collaboration, accountability, integrity and respect.
- Job Security: A full-time position for two years, moving to an ongoing role thereafter.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic communications for one of Victoria's largest TAFEs, while enjoying the flexibility and benefits that support both your career and your life outside of work.

How to Apply

If you're passionate about communications, storytelling and making a difference in the education sector, please apply with an up-to-date resume and cover letter, or contact Gabrielle Patterson at Patterson Recruitment on 0416 170 100 for a confidential discussion.

Chisholm and Patterson Recruitment is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and people of all backgrounds. Chisholm and Patterson Recruitment is a Child Safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people; appointment is subject to a valid Working With Children Check and unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will ensure your needs are met.

📌 Communications Specialist (Melbourne)
🏢 Patterson Recruitment
📍 Melbourne