Drive strategic communications and stakeholder engagement to advance Australia’s policy priorities | labour-hire contract | competitive hourly rate HorizonOne is supporting a major federal government department that develops and implements Australia’s foreign, trade, and development policies, representing the nation on the global stage. The department works with a diverse range of international and domestic stakeholders to advance Australia’s interests and strengthen relationships worldwide. Australia’s development program invests in an open, prosperous, and resilient Indo-Pacific, supporting regional partners to navigate an increasingly contested and disrupted global environment. Through humanitarian and multilateral engagement, the program helps save lives, strengthen economic recovery, and address rising poverty and inequality. The Opportunity In this role, you will deliver high quality communications and stakeholder engagement for a strategically significant shaping how Australia’s priorities are understood by domestic and international audiences. Working closely with senior executives, ministers’ offices, policy teams and external stakeholders, you will drive integrated communications and engagement strategies that strengthen influence, build trusted partnerships, and deliver measurable impact. Contribute to regional and global initiatives that advance Australia’s interests, and enhance its international engagement, reputation, and partnerships Lead the design and delivery of integrated communications and stakeholder engagement strategies aligned to broader policy objectives The Role Develop and deliver communication strategies to support the implementation and promotion of the government’s international development policy Translate complex content into clear Ministerial and departmental materials across digital, social, campaign and multimedia channels Lead stakeholder engagement and high-quality events with international partners, think tanks, academia, private sector, diplomatic corps, government agencies and suppliers Project manage integrated communications and engagement activities aligned to broader strategic objectives Manage media relations, including monitoring, reporting, liaison, briefings and responses Produce high-level written communications including briefings, internal and external content for domestic and international audiences The Ideal Person You will bring strong, tight writing expertise and a knowledge or interest of foreign, trade, and development policy, with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling and accessible narratives for a wide range of audiences. You will have experience providing strategic communication advice at a senior level, ideally within government, and a proven ability to lead and collaborate in a high-pressure environment. You will also have the following skills/capabilities: Excellent collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively Highly motivated and self-directed, with the ability to translate complex analysis into impactful strategies and products Due to the nature of the department, a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance will be required for this role. Salary / Rate Located in Canberra Labour-hire contract until December 2026 with possible extension options $75/hr – $95/hr 12% Super
