Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Join to apply for the Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Manager role at Australian Council for Educational Research. ACER is an independent, not-for-profit educational research and development organisation focused on creating and promoting research-based knowledge, products and services that can be used to improve learning across the life span. 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 programmes; 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 Hall meetings, 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 programmes 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. 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, embracing change, pursuing excellence, setting directions, supporting colleagues, working collaboratively, creating an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, complying with occupational health and safety, information security, and ACER’s policies and procedures. Skills, Knowledge and Experience 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. 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. Knowledge or experience in the education or research sector. Qualification A postgraduate qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline. Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion ACER is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to actively fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, cultural and faith background, sexual orientation, disability and/or age. ACER welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. ACER encourages applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. ACER is committed to supporting candidates with disability through provision of adjustments during the recruitment and selection process and throughout employment. To request or discuss adjustment requirements, please contact: p& Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Public Relations Industry Non‑profit Organisations #J-18808-Ljbffr