Communication Manager

About us

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is the grape and wine industry's own research organisation, supporting a sustainable and successful industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer.

At AWRI, our values guide everything we do:

• Excellence – delivering results that matter

• Integrity – acting with honesty, accountability and rigour

• Passion – celebrating achievements, creativity and continuous learning

About the role

Applications are invited for a Communication Manager to join the Office of the Managing Director.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering AWRI's strategic communications function. The position plays a critical role in enhancing AWRI's reputation, influence and engagement across the Australian wine sector, government, research community and other key stakeholders.

As a trusted adviser to the Executive Management Group, the Communication Manager provides strategic communications counsel, leads organisational messaging and reputation management, and drives initiatives that support AWRI's strategic objectives. The role also manages the Digital Communications Coordinator and works closely with internal teams, Wine Australia and key external stakeholders to maximise the impact of AWRI's communications activities.

Principal accountabilities include:

• Develop and implement AWRI's integrated communications strategy and annual communications plan.

• Provide strategic communications advice to the Managing Director, Executive Management Group and senior leaders.

• Lead corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations and public affairs activities.

• Develop and oversee AWRI's content and editorial strategy across digital and traditional communication channels.

• Drive digital communications and social media initiatives to strengthen engagement and organisational impact.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, media and research partners.

• Protect and strengthen AWRI's brand, reputation and corporate positioning.

• Lead the production of key corporate communications including the Annual Report and major publications.

• Develop and manage internal communications initiatives that support employee engagement and organisational alignment.

• Lead the Communications function, managing priorities, capability development and external service providers.

• Monitor communications performance using analytics, stakeholder feedback and media monitoring to drive continuous improvement.

• Proactively identify and manage communications opportunities, issues and reputational risks.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Science or a related discipline (or equivalent senior communications experience).

• Demonstrated experience (5-7+ years) in strategic communications, corporate communications, public relations or corporate affairs.

• Experience leading communications functions and/or managing communications professionals.

• Proven ability to provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and executives.

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear and engaging content.

• Experience communicating across diverse stakeholder groups and managing competing organisational priorities.

• Strong media relations and stakeholder engagement experience.

• Experience working within multi-disciplinary environments and collaborating across teams.

• Working knowledge of communications and digital platforms, including content management systems, email marketing platforms, design applications and social media channels.

• High levels of initiative, judgement, organisational skills and attention to detail.

What success looks like (KPIs & outcomes)

• AWRI maintains a strong and trusted reputation across industry, government, funding and research sectors.

• Communication activities effectively support stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and organisational priorities.

• AWRI's brand and messaging are delivered consistently across all channels.

• Employees remain informed, engaged and aligned to organisational objectives.

• Communications activities demonstrate measurable impact and continuous improvement.

• Strategic communications risks and opportunities are proactively managed.

Why work with us?

• Flexibility: 35-hour work week plus support for work-life balance

• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program for staff and families, subsidised Group fitness sessions

• Perks: Free social club membership or Entertainment Book subscription

• Salary packaging: Increase your take-home pay as a not-for-profit employee

• Leadership opportunity: Join the senior leadership group and influence communications across a nationally recognised research organisation

• Location: Beautiful Waite Campus with bushwalking trails, café facilities and free parking

How to apply

A full position description is available at:

www.awri.com.au/about_the_awri/people/careers

Or alternatively contact Julian Snook, HR Specialist, for a copy.

For more information, please contact:

Julian Snook, HR Specialist
••••@awri.com.au

• To be considered for the role, applicants must submit a CV/Resume and a Cover Letter in PDF format addressing the Principal Accountabilities outlined in the position description.

• Please ensure your cover letter is no longer than three pages.

• Applications will be assessed as they are received.

• Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.

• Only applications submitted via SEEK will be accepted.

• AWRI may extend the advertising period or close the advertisement early if the position is filled.

• No Recruitment Agencies Please.