Media and External Communications Lead - 24 Months Fixed-Term

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

This is your opportunity to help share the future of sustainability with world-changing innovations and low-carbon technologies. Become a valued part of the team that’s shaping the future of aluminium, revolutionising the way the world lives, builds, moves and flies. Be part of it and shape your world.

About the Role

As Media and External Communications Lead, you will develop and deliver media strategies that strengthen Alcoa’s public narrative and support business priorities across Australia. This 24-month fixed term position combines strategic media insight, with hands-on execution, ensuring clear, timely and effective communication across traditional, digital and owned channels.

Based in our Perth CBD office and reporting to the Communications Manager, you will lead Alcoa Australia’s corporate media function, with one direct report. You will work closely with leaders and colleagues from across the business to identify newsworthy story opportunities, manage media issues, craft compelling content, and provide advice that supports consistent, high-quality external communications aligned with Alcoa’s strategic business objectives.

Your key purpose and focus areas will be:

• Develop and implement integrated media strategies and plans that align with Alcoa’s business priorities, and external narrative.

• Lead media engagement, including preparation of media statements, briefing materials and responses to enquiries.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets and relevant external stakeholders to support accurate and balanced coverage.

• Monitor the media and external landscape and provide insights and advice to help protect and enhance Alcoa’s reputation.

• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify storytelling opportunities and translate complex operational, environmental and community topics into clear, audience-focused content.

• Create high-quality content for external stakeholders across channels including the website, newsletters, speeches and presentations.

• Lead, coach and support team members, promoting high standards of delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Track media performance, prepare insights and reporting, and use data to refine strategy and improve effectiveness.

What’s on offer

• Attractive remuneration and variable bonus plan.

• Employee growth and development opportunities.

• Employee assistance program for personal support services.

• Alcoa Live Well program offering travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing discounts.

• Salary packaging for a novated car lease, employee share plan and superannuation options.

• Flexible work arrangements including partial work from home options.

What you can bring to the role

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related discipline, and/or equivalent relevant experience.

• Extensive experience in journalism, media relations, public affairs, communications or a similar role, with proven ability to deliver successful media outcomes.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that allow you to successfully simplify complex and technical matters for a range of audiences that deliver impact and enhance understanding.

• Strong strategic thinking, planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Experience managing issues in a fast-paced environment, with sound judgement and the ability to respond calmly and effectively under pressure.

• Experience liaising with senior executives, stakeholders, and external agencies.

• Strong understanding of the Australian media landscape, including current trends, channels and opportunities for proactive engagement.

• Ability to fit into a busy team, take direction from others and to work autonomously as required.

• Knowledge of the resources sector and Western Australia’s media environment is desirable, along with flexibility to travel to Alcoa’s operations as required.

Additional information

• Interviews may progress prior to the closing date, although all applications will be considered.

• You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview - this process can take up to four weeks from the closing date.

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About the Location

Alcoa Australia’s company headquarters is located at 235 St Georges Terrace in Perth CBD, Western Australia, on Whadjuk Noongar land. The office is conveniently close to public transport and parking, and hosts employees from various business functions, including Commercial, Finance, Sustainability, Communications, and Human Resources, as well as expert teams supporting local and global locations. Our head office offers modern, open-plan working facilities and excellent end-of-trip amenities within a state-of-the-art building.

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.    

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!  

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.