Full‑time, ongoing
Location: Melbourne
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is the peak body for unions in Australia. Through the Australian Trade Union Institute (ATUI), we deliver education and capacity‑building that supports unions to grow, win, and build power for working people.
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Digital Communications Manager to lead the ACTU’s digital communications team and drive creative, impactful campaigns that help grow the union movement and win change for workers.
This role is ideal for a strategic digital leader with strong experience in social media, content creation, campaigning and audience engagement. You will have a deep understanding of digital culture, emerging platforms and how compelling storytelling can mobilise people to take action.
The ACTU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich cultural and social diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
About the role
Reporting to the Director, Campaigns, the Digital Communications Manager will lead the ACTU’s digital communications function, overseeing the development and delivery of creative digital campaigns, social media strategy and audience growth initiatives.
You will manage a high-performing team of digital communications professionals while working closely with ACTU leadership, affiliates and campaign teams to strengthen the movement’s digital campaigning capability and maximise collective impact.
This role is responsible for ensuring the ACTU remains at the forefront of digital communications, identifying emerging opportunities, technologies and trends that help reach workers, influence public debate and build support for union campaigns.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading and managing the ACTU’s digital communications team
- Developing and implementing digital communications and social media strategies aligned with ACTU campaign objectives
- Creating innovative digital campaign concepts that drive engagement, mobilisation and growth
- Managing and optimising digital platforms, social media channels and campaign assets
- Analysing campaign and platform performance and using insights to improve outcomes
- Working with campaign and media teams to deliver integrated communications strategies
- Identifying and adopting emerging digital trends, technologies and creative formats
- Supporting ACTU affiliates and Trades and Labour Councils to strengthen digital campaigning capability
- Providing strategic communications advice across ACTU campaigns and initiatives
- Managing workflow, resources and budgets within the digital communications team
- Building strong relationships with affiliates and key stakeholders across the union movement
About you
You will be a strategic thinker and creative leader with a strong track record of delivering successful digital campaigns and leading high-performing teams.
You will have:
- Minimum five years’ experience in a similar role, including demonstrated experience managing and leading creative digital teams
- Experience working with unions, community organisations or values-driven campaigns
- Demonstrated ability to develop innovative digital campaign concepts that drive significant audience engagement and mobilisation
- Strong understanding of digital culture, content trends, platform behaviours and emerging technologies
- Proven ability to identify opportunities and challenge conventional communications approaches
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and collaboration skills
- Experience using data and analytics to improve campaign performance
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong judgement and discretion, including the ability to operate effectively in politically sensitive environments
- A commitment to union values, social justice and respect for cultural and social diversity
Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable.
Why work with us
- Work at the centre of the union movement
- Contribute to meaningful change for working people
- Collaborative and values-driven workplace
- Opportunities to influence and strengthen digital campaigning across the union movement
- Work with a passionate and experienced team committed to social change
Interstate travel and occasional out‑of‑hours work are required.
Benefits
The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $146,958 – $167,024 depending on skills and experience, along with:
- Additional 15% superannuation
- Annual leave loading
- Working from home opportunities
- Generous leave arrangements, including up to 5 additional days of annual leave
- The opportunity to work a rostered day off arrangement
How to apply
Please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role, along with your CV, to Eloise Young, Director Campaigns at [email protected].
Applications without a cover letter addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.
Closing Date:
Applications close on Thursday 23rd July 2026.
