Communications and Engagement Director

Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) is looking for a Communications and Engagement Director.

Overview:

• Full-time role
• Language: English
• Location: Remote in Australia; open to Australian residents only with current Australian working rights
• Salary: AUD 130,000 per year
• Applications closing: 16th March

Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced Communications and Engagement Director to lead our growing communications and engagement teams and drive the strategic direction of our communications, storytelling, community, and brand.

This is a core strategic leadership role in the organisation, alongside the CEO and Leadership Programs Director. You’ll be responsible for building the profile of WELA and women’s leadership for our environment; expanding the reach and impact of our community of alumni, leaders, changemakers, partners and supporters; and establishing a new national narrative about the need for climate solutions led by women and gender-diverse people.

You’ll provide expert strategic leadership to the organisation, and lead the next phase of our communications, storytelling, community engagement and brand strategies. You’ll be supported and empowered by a clear organisational strategy.

You’ll directly oversee a team of four, including the Communications Manager, Engagement and Community Manager, and two Communications and Events Producers, as well as a range of consulting relationships. You’ll work closely with the Philanthropy Manager and Policy and Advocacy Manager, and help foster a collaborative, creative and sustainable working environment.

You will be instrumental in fostering connections, facilitating collaboration, and enhancing the overall impact of our network.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of WELA’s communications, storytelling, media and public relations, community engagement and brand, in order to build our profile and influence, expand our leadership programs and community, and establish our advocacy campaigns for real world impact.
• Lead and manage a growing team of four, including the Communications Manager, Engagement and Community Manager, and two Communications and Events Producers; and leading coordination cross-functionally as needed.
• Provide strategic leadership across the organisation and work in partnership with the CEO to support ongoing strategy evolution and implementation, and acting as CEO as required for short periods.
• Oversee the Communications and Engagement budget, ensuring robust financial governance, consistent tracking and performance monitoring and transparent reporting.
• Lead development of strategic partnerships and opportunities for community growth and impact.
• Develop and cultivate our network of advisors, consultants and partners to support delivery of our priorities.
• Lead development of a new approach to monitoring and evaluation to inform future strategies and actions.
• Represent the organisation publicly in collaborations, forums, events and other opportunities, including online.

Role Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrated commitment to our environment and / or women’s and gender-diverse leadership.
• At least three years in an Executive level leadership role in communications, community engagement or community organising.
• Extensive experience working in advocacy and campaigns-focused not-for-profit organisations.
• Builds strong collaborative teams, including experience managing staff at all levels, from junior to senior positions.
• Proven capacity to foster excellent working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, ages and communities.
• Builds and maintains excellent stakeholder relationships and external partnerships.
• Excellent project management skills, with demonstrated experience managing complex projects to completion.
• Strong sense of initiative, demonstrated through the development and successful launch of new activities, programs or strategies.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in leading digital strategy development, media and public relations, or brand partnerships.
• Proven experience in fundraising communications.
• Strong capability in impact storytelling that evokes empathy, provokes thought and inspires action.
• Experience in MEL (measurement, evaluation and learning) frameworks.
• Familiarity with relevant digital tools such as Google Suite, CRM tools, Canva, Slack, social media platforms.
• University level qualifications in media, communications, public relations or similar.

How to apply?

To apply for this position, please upload your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria to Ethical Jobs by 9am, Monday 16th March 2026.