⭐⭐⭐ The ideal candidate is an experienced strategic communications and account management professional with a robust background in multicultural communications within an agency environment. They will have a proven track record of developing and delivering culturally relevant communication strategies and campaigns, managing complex client accounts, and providing strategic advice to government and not-for-profit organisations on best-practice engagement and communications with multicultural communities. ⭐⭐⭐

About Ethnolink

Ethnolink is Australia’s largest multicultural communications and engagement agency. We work with government and not-for-profit clients to design inclusive, culturally relevant campaigns and projects that reach and resonate with diverse communities across Australia.

Our services span research and insights, communications strategy, creative development, community engagement, media, and translation—delivering end-to-end solutions that build trust and drive action. As our organisation continues to grow, we’re looking for a communications and engagement leader to join our team and help drive the next phase of our impact.

Position Summary The Account Director, Communications leads the design and delivery of Ethnolink’s communications projects for government and not-for-profit clients. Reporting to the Head of Multicultural Communications & Engagement, this senior, client-facing role combines strategic thinking, solution design, and delivery oversight.

You will act as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of clients—building trusted relationships, understanding their challenges, and shaping culturally appropriate strategies that deliver measurable impact. You will scope projects, develop strategies and recommendations, and support the business development team—who hold accountability for client growth—with input into proposals and tender submissions across communications strategy, creative development, media planning, and community engagement.

The role involves leading project delivery, managing internal teams, and coordinating a network of freelance creatives, production specialists, and media partners. You will ensure outputs meet the highest standards while strengthening client relationships and supporting the growth of accounts.

Internally,



you will collaborate with sales, operations, language services delivery, and creative leaders to evolve service offerings, share knowledge, and build team capability. This is an exciting, high-impact opportunity for a passionate communications leader with strong client management skills, commercial acumen, and a passion for shaping how organisations connect with multicultural Australia.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Account Growth

- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with government and not-for-profit clients.
- Act as the primary point of contact across assigned client portfolios.
- Resolve project and operational escalations, with support from the Head of MCE.
- Contribute strategic input to RFQs, tenders, and proposal submissions, ensuring solutions are commercially viable and aligned with client objectives.

Strategy, Delivery & Oversight

- Lead the design and delivery of communications strategies and campaigns tailored to multicultural audiences.
- Develop integrated approaches across paid and earned media, digital, ATL and BTL channels.
- Act as a subject matter expert in culturally appropriate communications and inclusive communication practices.
- End to end management of MCE projects, including identifying clients' requirements, developing project schedules, resource assignment, budget and managing deadlines.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and meet internal performance and quality expectations (including margin targets).
- Ensure all communications activities align with relevant industry standards and best practice guidelines, including ISO-aligned approaches where applicable.
- Review and quality-assure all outputs, including messaging frameworks, creative assets, copywriting, and campaign evaluations.
- Provide copywriting and messaging support where required.

Team Leadership & Partner Collaboration





- Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to internal account services, communications, design, marketing, and engagement teams.
- Ensure alignment across teams to deliver integrated, high-quality outcomes.
- Mentor and support junior team members, fostering accountability and capability development.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of MCE and other senior leaders to ensure consistency in delivery standards and approach.

Partner & Supplier Management

- Lead the engagement and coordination of external partners required for campaign delivery, including creative, media, production, and engagement specialists.
- Manage relationships with freelance and agency partners to ensure quality, consistency, and value for money.
- Support recruitment and onboarding of project-specific resources where required.
- Any reasonable task as directed by your Manager or the business.

Skills & Experience

Required

- Minimum 7 years’ experience in communications, campaign management, or creative strategy.
- Minimum 4 years’ agency-side experience, including significant work with government and not-for-profit clients.
- Demonstrated ability to lead client accounts, develop communications strategies and solutions, and manage complex, multi-channel projects.
- Proven ability to operate in a senior client-facing role, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
- Experience managing internal teams and working across cross-functional disciplines.
- Strong understanding of media planning, including paid and earned strategies across digital, traditional, and community channels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong copywriting capability.
- Project management acumen, with experience managing budgets, timelines, and delivery performance.
- Experience contributing to RFQs, tenders, and proposal development.
- Strong understanding of multicultural audiences and inclusive communications practices.
- A tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, media, or a related field.

Desirable

- Experience in multicultural communications or working directly with diverse communities.
- Familiarity with co-design methodologies.
- Understanding of industry standards and best practice guidelines.
- Ability to speak a language other than English.

📌 Account Director, Communications (Melbourne)
🏢 Ethnolink
📍 Melbourne