About Inland Rail
Inland Rail Pty Ltd is delivering a 1,600km freight line that is transforming how goods are moved around Australia. When fully operational, Inland Rail will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, Inland Rail is helping to address the nation’s future freight needs and meet the demands of our growing population.
Delivering Inland Rail will help shift more goods onto rail which means safer, less congested roads and fewer emissions and a more resilient and sustainable national freight network.
About the opportunity
Shape the future of one of Australia's most significant infrastructure programs
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Strategy, Communication & Media to lead the enterprise strategy, brand, communications and media functions for Inland Rail.
Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, this is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a nationally significant program while protecting and enhancing its reputation with employees, stakeholders, communities, industry and government.
This role requires a contemporary and influential leader who can translate vision into action, navigate complexity and drive a clear, trusted narrative across a diverse stakeholder landscape.
About the Role (18-Month Fixed-Term Contract)
As Head of Strategy, Communication & Media, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping Inland Rail's strategic direction and how it is understood by employees, stakeholders and the broader community.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead the development and delivery of Inland Rail's enterprise strategy and strategic planning framework.
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Provide trusted advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board on strategy, reputation, brand, communication and media matters.
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Drive integrated communication, media, marketing, digital and stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen trust and confidence in Inland Rail.
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Oversee the Inland Rail brand, ensuring consistency, quality and impact across all channels.
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Lead organisational communications that engage employees, build culture and support strategic objectives.
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Use industry trends, external insights and policy developments to inform strategic priorities and organisational positioning.
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Manage reputational risk and crisis communications in a complex and highly visible environment.
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Build high-performing teams and foster collaboration across the business to deliver enterprise outcomes.
About you
You are a strategic thinker and influential communicator with a proven track record leading corporate strategy, communications and reputation management within complex organisations.
You will bring:
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Extensive senior leadership experience in enterprise strategy development and execution.
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Significant experience leading communication, media, marketing and brand functions in a complex corporate, government or major project environment.
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Exceptional written, verbal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at executive and board level.
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Demonstrated success managing reputation, issues and crisis communications.
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Experience operating in politically sensitive and high-profile environments.
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Strong commercial and strategic acumen with the ability to align planning, performance and delivery outcomes.
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Outstanding relationship-building skills and a collaborative leadership style.
What you’ll be joining
- You will join one of the largest infrastructure programs in Australia.
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This project will generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local investment, boosting regional economies and communities right along the alignment.
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Inland Rail is proud to have over 40% female representation and we would like to see these numbers grow.
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Inland Rail is an Agile working environment in our State-of-the Art office embracing flexible working conditions.
Our Organisation and Culture
The values that drive us and the work we deliver in the program incorporate Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. We welcome like-minded individuals who value our culture.
At Inland Rail, we celebrate, support, and thrive on attracting people from all horizons and walks of life for the benefit of our employees, our program, and our community. Inland Rail is proud to be an equal opportunity and an affirmative action employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to submit their details to us.
All employment is decided based on suitability to the role, cultural fit, merit, and business needs.
Apply Now
If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you have been looking for please apply online today.
As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo pre-employment criminal history, reference and medical checks, including drug and alcohol testing. Inland Rail is a drug and alcohol-free working environment.
Please note that applications are reviewed from point of advertising so don’t delay your application.
