Communications Manager

• Full-Time Fixed Term (12-month parental leave contract)

Are you an incredible storyteller who loves finding human stories in big ideas, making complex things compelling and bringing important work to life? At the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, you’ll have the chance to tell extraordinary stories about the remarkable people, breakthrough science and bold ideas helping to protect one of the world’s great natural wonders.  

At the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we think big. We know the threats to coral reefs are too complex for one person or one solution to solve. That’s why we built a collaborative organisation to raise funds, invest in innovative ideas and design real-world, scalable conservation programs. We work in close partnership with communities, scientists, businesses and governments to do our work, in Australia and in the Pacific.

Our mission is to inspire action and wonder for coral reefs.

We collaborate with more than 600 dedicated partners on conservation projects in Australia and the Pacific. Our work is broad, but falls under our two overarching pillars: coral reef restoration, and island and coastal restoration. This is the critical decade for the world’s reefs. We cannot achieve our mission alone.

You could be the right fit for our team.

• Flexible working arrangements  

• Birthday Leave & recharge days 

• Paid parental leave for permanent roles

• Additional leave offered over the Christmas break  

• Cultural, Religious and Ceremonial leave  

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Opportunities to visit the Reef and volunteer within our programs  

• Option to purchase additional leave  

• Tailored induction program  

• Salary Packaging (Please note, the Foundation is an environmental charity and as such employees are not exempt from FBT for salary packaging for some expenses, therefore the staff member will be required to pay the FBT on the relevant expenses they chose to package) 

The Communications Manager is responsible for delivering high-impact, strategic communications, particularly focused on supporting key programmatic strategic pillars. Reporting to the Communications and Marketing Lead, this role plays a critical part in engaging audiences and stakeholders through compelling storytelling, integrated campaigns, and aligned communications planning.

At the heart of the role is the ability to find, shape and tell great stories – bringing the Foundation’s work to life in ways that connect with hearts and minds. Working closely with program teams and supporting other Communications and Growth functions, the Communications Manager ensures communications activities are audience-focused and aligned with broader strategic objectives – including advocacy, brand awareness, and fundraising. 

The role supports the development and implementation of communications plans that drive visibility, support engagement with philanthropic and corporate partners, and bring to life the organisation’s global impact and leadership on coral reef conservation through powerful storytelling.  

The Communications Manager will contribute content across digital, media, donor, and stakeholder channels, and will collaborate with internal and external partners to uncover stories, develop engaging content and deliver consistent, high-quality communications outputs.

• Tertiary qualification in Communications or related field (marine science background is an asset but not essential)

• 3-5 years professional experience in communication, ideally within the not-for-profit or charity sector.

• Proven experience in developing and delivering strategic communications in a purpose-driven, environmental, or global context.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a passion for finding and telling great stories.  

• Demonstrated ability to connect with diverse audiences and tailor content across channels, while refining and upholding brand voice and messaging to ensure clarity and consistency across all written materials.

• Experience collaborating across teams to support communications needs and elevate content quality.

• Familiarity with media relations and/or digital communications, including supporting campaigns and content aligned to advocacy and fundraising goals.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to translate the importance of the work of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation in a compelling manner (in written and oral form) to our partners.

• Relationship builder with the ability to influence and build trust-based relationships across teams and partners.

• High energy, maturity, and leadership capabilities with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.

• Demonstrates commercial discipline and consistency through compliance with Foundation policy and process and performance expectations.

• Brisbane

First Nations people are strongly encouraged to apply. The release of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a proud moment in our organisation’s 20-year history. We see this achievement as an honour, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Take a look at our RAP plan here: https://www.barrierreef.org/uploads/GBRF-ReflectRAP.pdf

If you are interested in this role, please apply by submitting a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Applications will be assessed as they are received.