Communications Manager

About the role

The Communications Manager is responsible for delivering high-impact, strategic communications that elevate the value of plants, strengthen industry advocacy, and support GIA's national project work — particularly Hort Innovation-funded programs. This role reports directly to the GIA CEO, working closely to ensure communications are aligned with organisational priorities, advocacy objectives and project delivery requirements. At the heart of the role is the ability to find, shape and tell great stories: stories about growers, innovation, sustainability, biosecurity, and the people driving Australia's greenlife sector. You'll bring GIA's mission to life through compelling content, integrated campaigns and clear, audience-focused messaging. You'll contribute content across digital, media, stakeholder and partner channels, and collaborate with growers, researchers and industry leaders to uncover stories, develop engaging material and deliver consistent, high-quality communications outputs.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver communications plans that support GIA's mission, advocacy priorities and project outcomes, working hand in glove with GIA's state member organisations
• Lead communications for Hort Innovation-funded projects, ensuring clarity, accuracy, milestone alignment and strong stakeholder engagement
• Identify and craft compelling stories about growers, innovation, sustainability and primary production
• Maintain and grow media contacts, coordinate interviews, prepare commentary and support proactive media engagement
• Translate industry issues into clear, persuasive messages that support national advocacy and policy influence
• Work with growers, government, research partners and industry organisations to support communications needs and elevate content quality
• Apply an understanding of plant production, supply chains and grower realities to ensure communications are grounded and credible
• Produce high-quality written content across digital, media, partner and member channels
• Work closely with the CEO and project teams to align messaging, priorities and delivery

About you

• 3–5 years' experience in communications, ideally within a peak body, not-for-profit, agriculture, sustainability or environmental context
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with a passion for uncovering human stories in technical or complex work
• Experience delivering strategic communications aligned to advocacy, industry development or project outcomes
• Familiarity with media relations and/or digital communications, including supporting campaigns and content aligned to advocacy goals
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to build trust-based relationships across teams, partners and stakeholders
• High energy, maturity and the ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels
• A genuine interest in plants, green spaces, sustainability and primary production
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to being a supportive, reliable team player

Benefits

• Fully remote role
• Five weeks annual leave per year
• Flexible work arrangements
• Not for profit salary packaging (FBT payable on applicable packaged items)

About us

Greenlife Industry Australia is the national peak body for Australia's greenlife, nursery and plant production sector. We represent growers, retailers, allied suppliers and partners who collectively shape Australia's greener, cooler and more liveable future. Our vision is a thriving, united greenlife industry growing a greener, cooler and more liveable Australia, where plants and green spaces are valued across every community. Our mission is to champion Australia's greenlife industry through strong advocacy, collaborative partnerships, grower support and driving industry success. We are committed to delivering a thriving, sustainable green future for current and future generations. We work closely with growers, governments, Hort Innovation, research partners and environmental organisations to deliver industry-shaping projects and national advocacy.