Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Position overview

The Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Manager oversees media relations, reputation management, internal communications, and strategic stakeholder engagement, driving initiatives that strengthen ACER’s profile and global influence  as a leading organisation in education policy and research.

Position context

The Australian Council for Educational Research is a national, independent, not-for-profit educational research and development organisation with a proud history of rigorous research, resource development, and research-based advice to governments and education authorities globally.

Our mission is to create and promote research-based knowledge, products and services to improve learning across the lifespan. We pursue this mission through collaborative research projects; national, regional and global assessment programs; education system reviews and evaluation studies; and the provision of high-quality, evidence-informed professional resources for practitioners.

The Marketing, Communications and Media (MCM) team drives ACER’s visibility, engagement and growth by delivering strategic, integrated communications across key audiences and markets. The team leads marketing and business development, internal and external communications, media and government relations, publishing, creative design, and digital information services.

Through targeted campaigns, content strategy, brand stewardship and stakeholder engagement, the MCM team enhances ACER’s reputation, supports revenue growth, and ensures consistent, high-impact messaging that advances the organisation’s mission in Australia and globally.

The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager will play a pivotal role in transforming the way ACER communicates internally and externally, ensuring consistency, influence, and impact across all channels and globally.

Job responsibilities

Global Communications Leadership

• Lead ACER’s global communications function to protect and enhance organisational reputation and ensure a cohesive, consistent presence across all regions.
• Develop and implement an enterprise-wide communications strategy aligned to ACER’s purpose, mission, vision and values.
• Provide high-level advice to the CEO, CMO, Executive and Board on reputation, media and stakeholder matters.

Internal Communications

• Lead all internal communications including CEO announcements, leadership updates, Town Halls, staff newsletters, and intranet content (ACER Connect).
• Build clear frameworks and channels that strengthen engagement, transparency and culture.
• Partner with People & Culture team to communicate major initiatives, change programs and employee engagement campaigns.

Media, Reputation and Issues Management

• Develop and deliver ACER’s media and reputation strategy, including a forward media plan and key organisational positioning themes.
• Build trusted relationships with journalists and media outlets in education, policy and government sectors.
• Train and support ACER spokespersons by developing media toolkits and protocols.
• Oversee all issues management, crisis communications and media monitoring, ensuring timely, coordinated responses and proactive risk mitigation.

Additional responsibilities

Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute a stakeholder engagement plan to strengthen relationships with government, policymakers, partners and education sector leaders.
• Support CEO and senior executives in building influence and visibility with key decision-makers.
• Prepare briefings, submissions and communications materials for high-level meetings and events.

CEO Profile and Speaking Engagements

• Work closely with the CMO to manage the CEO’s speaking circuit by identifying, securing and coordinating high-impact opportunities at conferences, events and internal forums.
• Develop and maintain a forward calendar of speaking and media engagements aligned to strategic priorities.
• Ensure consistent messaging and visibility across all platforms.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a distributed communications team of eight, including four embedded regional or divisional communications roles.
• Build capability, foster collaboration and embed consistent standards across the global network.
• Oversee the communications budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to deliver strategic priorities.

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:
  • Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
  • Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
  • Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
  • Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
  • Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
  • Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others and identifying, assessing, and mitigating psychosocial risks
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System
• Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential 

• Extensive experience (10+ years) leading complex, multi-site or global communications portfolios.
• Proven ability to build and execute strategic communications plans that drive reputation and influence.
• Proven ability to prioritise effectively and deliver results in fast-paced, complex environments with multiple competing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing global communications team, fostering collaboration and a consistent approach particularly during periods of change and transformation.
• Familiarity with internal communications frameworks that drive engagement and cultural alignment.
• Demonstrated experience in issues management, media relations, and stakeholder engagement at the executive or government level.
• Exceptional ability to craft compelling narratives, influence diverse audiences, and communicate with clarity and impact.
• Strong collaboration mindset and experience working across multiple time zones or cultures.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing speeches, briefings, and high-impact content for senior leaders and the CEO.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital communications platforms, analytics, and emerging trends in global communications.

Desirable 

• Knowledge or experience in the education or research sector.

Qualification

A post graduate qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.