Communications Advisor

Metro gets you where you need to go. Shaping our future to be a world-class, sustainable railway for Melbourne is made possible by our people who make a positive difference to every journey.

We strive to reflect the community we serve and support the needs of our people who are critical to our success. With Zero Harm at the foundation of everything we do, we want everyone to get home safely. 

We act as one team to move Melbourne. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Communications Advisor to join our External Affairs & Strategic Communications team. In this role, you will work across media, content, government, and stakeholder relations to protect and enhance Metro’s reputation. You will provide senior-level advice, handle media and stakeholder issues, mitigate risk and develop proactive communication strategies to identify and generate positive stories aligned to Metro’s strategic pillars.

Key responsibilities include managing high-level external stakeholder meetings, including with the Department of Transport and Planning and Ministerial offices, participating in a 24/7 on-call roster for decision-making under pressure. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in issues and crisis management within large, complex organizations. You will report to the Head of External Affairs and play a pivotal role in supporting Metro’s strategic objectives during a transformative time for Melbourne’s transport network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Staff a 24/7 on-call roster, making quick decisions under time pressure, managing media responses and crisis communications.
• Provide accurate advice and manage relationships with critical internal and external stakeholders, including Ministerial offices and government departments.
• Proactively manage business, operational, and high-risk reputational issues in collaboration with the Head of External Relations.
• Exhibit excellent writing skills for speeches, stakeholder emails, and media responses; develop and manage social media content and reporting.
• Produce, as needed, daily media clips before 9am
• Contribute to daily media monitoring, executive briefings, and reporting, ensuring appropriate approvals.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to generate positive stories that align with Metro’s strategic goals, leveraging them across multiple channels.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• Over 5 years in journalism, public relations, communications, or corporate affairs; previous experience as a journalist is a plus.
• Significant experience in issues/crisis management within complex operational environments is essential.
• Prior experience in a 24/7 rostering environment and the ability to respond to issues outside of regular hours, including weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to influence and develop strong relationships, managing a diverse range of stakeholders across a range of interest groups.  
• Strong English and grammar skills, with the ability to communicate effectively under pressure across all levels of management and staff.
• Experience in transport, infrastructure, or government is advantageous but not essential.
• Proven ability to execute complex tasks within tight timeframes in large, complex organizations.

NEXT STEPS

If this role resonates with your values, experience, and career needs, then come join us and help connect people and places for a growing Melbourne!

Don’t meet every single requirement? As an inclusive and diverse workplace, we encourage all applicants to apply.

Metro is committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process for candidates with specific access needs. Candidates who require adjustments are encouraged to declare this in their application, so that the contact person for the position can discuss your needs.

Please submit your application by 11:59pm on the 30th September 2024. 

Metro’s commitment to a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive culture

Metro acknowledges the Victorian Traditional Owners of the land on which our rail network operates, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation.

At Metro, we know that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company is a more innovative and successful one that reflects the communities we serve. We strive for a workplace where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. A workplace that provides equitable access to opportunities, resources, and where individuals can bring their whole selves to work. In addition, being recognised and rewarded for their contribution to our collective success.

We are committed to fair, equitable and merit-based employment and recruitment practices, and we encourage all interested applicants to apply.