Senior Public Affairs Lead

HR Partner for SMBs | Simplifying HR, Minimising Risk & Building Strong People Foundations For Businesses Your new organisation The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (Manufacturing Alliance) is an industry‑owned, industry‑led not‑for‑profit organisation addressing skills and workforce issues for the manufacturing sector. A growing organisation, we are at the forefront of supporting the development of skilled workforces that enable modern manufacturing and associated industries to succeed. We work with manufacturing stakeholders across Australia, including employers, unions, trainers, learners and governments to build a skilled workforce for now and for the future. You’ll be joining us at a time of growth and momentum, working alongside a supportive and highly engaged team who value collaboration and shared success. Your new role As the Senior Public Affairs Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and amplifying our national voice across media, government, and industry. Reporting to the Executive Director, Stakeholder Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s public affairs, media, and strategic communications activities, ensuring cohesive, influential and authoritative messaging that advances workforce development across Australia’s manufacturing sector. This role is ideal for a highly skilled writer and communicator, comfortable preparing speeches, media statements, briefing notes and thought leadership content for senior executives, including the CEO and Board. You will bring a proactive and strategic approach to public positioning, media and government relations, and issues and reputation management. More specifically you will: Develop and implement high‑impact public affairs, communications and media strategies that support organisational priorities. Prepare compelling speeches, scripts, media releases, submissions, briefing packs for senior executives and national forums. Lead proactive media engagement and develop and maintain strong working relationships with journalists, public commentators and sector media outlets. Monitor media, political and policy matters to inform advice and ensure timely responses to emerging issues. Support the CEO and Executive Team in managing reputational risk, stakeholder sentiment, and public positioning. Partner across the organisation to ensure messaging consistency, stakeholder alignment, and effective public engagement. Lead public communication activities for key announcements and publications. Represent Manufacturing Alliance at events and build trusted relationships with government, industry and training system stakeholders Your skills and attributes To be successful in this role, you will possess: Exceptional writing ability, including speechwriting, media content, policy/briefing notes and thought leadership A strong background in media, public affairs, communications and/or journalism High‑level stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building capability A strategic and proactive style and approach The ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling communication Confidence engaging with government, ministers’ offices, industry, unions and sector influencers Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, public affairs, journalism, public policy or a related discipline are highly regarded. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a role that has a real impact on Australia’s manufacturing workforce and skills landscape. You will work with passionate, purpose‑driven colleagues and contribute to initiatives that support industry, learners, training providers and the broader economy. We offer a supportive work environment, competitive salary, great benefits and hybrid working arrangements. If you are a forward‑thinking communications professional seeking a role where your work will directly contribute to shaping Australia’s manufacturing skills and workforce agenda, we would love to hear from you. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Marketing and Public Relations Industries Manufacturing Technical and Vocational Training #J-18808-Ljbffr