Job Description
Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement, Australia (Remote)
The Director of Communications, Australia is the strategic leader of IEEFA Australia's media and communications function, responsible for translating IEEFA's evidence-based research into influence with media, government, financiers, funders and partners and increasing the Institute's audience and profile.
Consolidating what were previously two co-lead roles, the Director owns the function's strategy, messaging, channel mix, stakeholder engagement and performance measurement, and represents Australia on IEEFA's Global Communications Team.
The Director leads a small, high-performing team that produces a significant volume of timely, objective, high-quality content.
The priority for the role is to lift IEEFA Australia from a largely reactive, publication-driven model to a more strategic and responsive one — packaging research for impact, engaging audiences when issues are live, and building the measurement and systems that demonstrate influence.
The Director protects the team's editorial and design strengths while expanding its reach across digital, social and direct-engagement channels.
The Director will have excellent judgement, a solid understanding of energy issues, strong media and stakeholder relationships, sound political instincts, and the ability to maintain IEEFA's reputation as a credible, independent and evidence-based source.
A proactive, hands-on approach and 'can do' attitude are vital to help increase the impact and timeliness of our work.
IEEFA is an NGO/not-for-profit that researches and analyses financial and economic issues related to energy markets, trends, and policies.
Headquartered in the United States, IEEFA has a team of 70+ analysts and communications personnel located in 15 countries across the globe.
IEEFA produces a significant volume of original research and ongoing analysis and reports on issues affecting energy industries.
Our major research reports, daily analysis, press coverage, and other resources can be found on our website:
Responsibilities
Develop, own and implement IEEFA Australia's communications strategy, aligned to strategic goals, including positioning, messaging, channel mix and measurable objectives
Lead, develop and support a team of 4-6 communications professionals — managing performance, wellbeing and day-to-day priorities, and building capability across roles
Work collaboratively with analysts to provide strategic media and communications advice on framing, key messages, timing, effective products/formats, and creative launch campaigns
Oversee media engagement, work with the media manager (to be appointed)



to maintain relationships with journalists and identify opportunities for increased media coverage
Drive the organisation's political engagement strategy, steward senior-level relationships with political stakeholders, pursue engagement opportunities on live policy issues
Oversee social media, EDMs/newsletters and the stakeholder database/CRM, ensuring targeted, well-governed engagement and the ability to push assets when topics are live
Work with the Managing Editor to ensure all communications outputs meet IEEFA standards for quality, accuracy, editorial integrity, branding and message consistency
Maintain relationships with partners and identify opportunities for collaboration
Build and maintain a consistent communications KPIs and dashboard (for media, web, social, engagement) with a regular reporting rhythm, aligned to the global KPI framework
Serve as an active member of IEEFA's Global Communications Team (GCT), fostering effective working relationships and contributing to cross-regional collaboration, standards, campaigns, shared platforms, and positioning
Advise and support the CEO on reputation management, government and funders relations, contentious-issue handling and crisis communications
Ensure sound operational governance, including routine archiving, documented processes for the contacts database, and effective use of project-management tools (e.g. ClickUp)
Other duties as assigned, including some travel within Australia or internationally to attend IEEFA or external events
Required Qualifications
7+ years of demonstrated experience in communications, media and stakeholder engagement, including
demonstrated experience developing and leading communications strategy and
supervising teams
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Exceptional media relations skills and an established network across national, specialist and ideally financial/energy media
Strong understanding of Australian government, policy and parliamentary processes, and sound political judgement in a politically sensitive environment
Proven ability to translate complex, technical research into clear,



engaging messaging and content for non-specialist audiences
Experience developing and executing digital content strategies across social media and web platforms, with a track record of building audience engagement and followership
Experience setting and reporting against communications metrics and KPIs, and using insight to improve performance
Experience in finance, energy, public policy or the not-for-profit sector is highly favourable
Various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite and remote working collaboration tools
Permanent working rights in Australia
Compensation and Advantages
Full-time employment contract with remuneration $150,000 - $170,000 AUD base, plus super.
Our competitive benefits package includes Annual Leave, Personal/Carer's Leave, Long Service Leave, Paid Parental Leave, a Professional Development Allowance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a home office set-up stipend, a co-working space stipend, a monthly mobile phone allowance, and technology equipment provided.
Work Schedule
Full-time, 38 hours/week, with occasional evening or weekend work as .
Location and Travel
The Director of Communications and Strategic Engagement will work remotely and may be based anywhere in Australia.
Some travel is .
Attendance is at occasional global IEEFA conference and team retreat.
Quarterly in person team meetings alternate between Sydney and Melbourne.
Physical Demand and Work Environment.
Must be able to work for prolonged periods at a computer.
Computer work can involve repetitive motion, eyestrain, back and neck strain.
Diversity and Inclusivity
We value diversity at IEEFA.
All members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing all employees with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy/parental status or disability status.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
IEEFA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at .
Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
To Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio of their work.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Please be sure to add to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.

📌 Director Of Communications And Strategic Engagement, Australia (Canberra)
🏢 Institute for Energy Economics and Finan
📍 Canberra