Senior Media and Communications Manager

• Work in a high performing, values-driven organisation
• Competitive salary with salary packaging benefits
• Hybrid work arrangement with office located in Sydney CBD

ABOUT US

Our passionate team empowers refugees to find safety and protection when they need it most.

Australia for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s partner in Australia, raising funds and awareness to assist people forced to flee conflict, disaster or persecution. With more than 120 million people now forcibly displaced worldwide, this work has never been more vital.

At Australia for UNHCR, we harness the generosity of Australians to help UNHCR deliver life-saving aid during humanitarian emergencies. This aid includes shelter, clean water, medicine, emergency cash assistance and counselling. We also support long-term education, healthcare and employment programs to help refugees rebuild their lives and create more secure futures. As part of the UN network, we make a difference for millions of people every year.

WHO WE ARE LOOKNG FOR

Our people are collaborative and inclusive team players, committed to finding new ways to increase support for refugees.

• A highly motivated, strategic and detail-oriented Senior Media and Communications Manager to work with our Communications and Public Affairs team to implement Media and Communications strategies which drive the organisation’s brand, reputation and fundraising.
• A passionate and diplomatic individual with strong project management skills, and a commitment to UNHCR’s work to guide our many communication channels, increase our profile and deepen our base of support.

YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT BY

• Translating organisational strategy into channel-specific, audience-led communications plans
• Helping the organisation reach new and diverse audiences through bold storytelling and campaigns
• Developing and executing media, PR and social media strategy to drive brand profile, engagement and conversion to fundraising appeals
• Collaborating closely with Communications team Managers to create fresh and engaging content and campaigns for key channels, with clear and measurable outcomes
• Supporting fundraising teams to deliver Media and Communications strategy that supports appeals and operations
• Overseeing the creation of engaging and shareable digital to share with our audiences, to motivate people to act, and engage new audiences.
• Preparing media engagement materials, researching story ideas, pitching ideas direct to media and responding to media requests
• Supporting emergency and crisis communications with comprehensive media plans

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Experience designing and delivering media and communications strategy with measurable outcomes
• Experience leading integrated campaigns across channels
• Strong oral and written and interpersonal communications skills
• Experience in video production and social media strategy development and implementation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure, particularly in an emergency
• Experience in media, marketing or public relations, ideally in a non-profit environment
• Strong understanding of Australian media with solid networks and contacts and demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive media relationships.
• Deep understanding of international news and current affairs as it relates to refugees and displacement

WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN

Working at Australia for UNHCR means that you get to make a difference for refugees every day. Our people give their best, work with compassion, and feel valued and supported. We have an inclusive and supportive culture built on a shared purpose.

How do we know this? Our employees tell us! Our 2026 employee engagement survey revealed that:

• 93% of employees are proud to work at Australia for UNHCR
• 93% of employees feel trusted and valued by their Manager
• 93% of employees feel people of all cultures and backgrounds are respected and valued

We also offer:

• A competitive salary commensurate with the NFP sector
• Access to $15,900 salary packaging
• Additional leave entitlements with five weeks of annual leave
• A flexible and hybrid work environment
• A focus on wellbeing, including weekly fruit box, access to a holistic Employee Assistance Program with offerings on mental health, nutrition, parenting, financial support and much more
• A focus on learning and development at individual, team and organisational levels

We are a workplace that embraces diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and the creation of inclusive workforce cultures. We welcome applications from people with diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds, including migrants and former refugees.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are eager to use your experience to make a difference for refugees every day, please email hr@unrefugees.org.au (subject line: Senior Media and Communications Manager) with:

• your resume
• your one-page cover letter, outlining your skills and motivations

For further information on this position, or to request any reasonable adjustments that will ensure you can fully participate in our recruitment process at all stages, please reach out to our HR team: hr@unrefugees.org.au

At Australia for UNHCR we are committed to ensuring a safe environment and culture for everyone, including children and vulnerable adults. Therefore, if successful, you will be required to comply with the Australia for UNHCR Safeguarding People Policy and sign the Australia for UNHCR Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

View full position description.

Closing Date:

Please apply ASAP as applications will be reviewed as they are received.