This exciting role will help shape communications on major policy and advocacy issues, support the release of industry research, and deliver high quality communications to a national peak body membership base of more than 240-member organisation across Australia and New Zealand.

We are looking for a skilled and proactive Communications Manager to drive high-impact communications that support the achievement of our strategic priorities by planning, creating and distributing high quality content that advances our advocacy and policy agenda and keeps our members informed of key industry developments and activities.

Reporting to the Head of Communications and collaborating closely with teams across the organisation, you will lead communications campaigns that bring our advocacy priorities and plan to life. Through compelling newsletters, social media content, publications, member communications and copywriting, you will create content that informs, influences, and inspires.

You bring:

• Demonstrated experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• The ability to quickly understand complex policy and industry issues.
• Confidence creating content across multiple channels and audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to drive and manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative approach, high levels of accountability, and a naturally curious mindset.

You will be equally comfortable developing strategic campaigns, writing social media posts, producing newsletters, and collaborating with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver outstanding communications.

Key responsibilities

• Lead communications campaigns that support the ARA's advocacy and policy priorities.
• Develop engaging fortnightly and monthly e-newsletters.
• Create compelling content across digital, social, and traditional communication channels.
• Deliver timely and relevant communications to ARA members.
• Produce high-quality copy for publications, campaigns, reports, and stakeholder communications.
• Maintain communication channels and ensure content aligns with the ARA brand.
• Support the promotion of industry research, events, and key initiatives.

About the Australasian Railway Association
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is the peak body for the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand, representing more than 240 member organisations.

Our members span the full rail ecosystem, including:

• Passenger and freight operators that keep essential services moving.
• Track owners, managers and contractors that build and maintain safe, efficient rail networks.
• Suppliers, manufacturers and consultants driving innovation, productivity, and growth across the industry.

With a growing national workforce, the ARA operates from its Canberra head office and has team members working remotely across Australia.

This is a Sydney-based, work-from-home role, with the ARA’s head office located in Canberra.

Employee benefits

• Additional leave – extra annual leave days provided over Christmas to contribute to the Christmas leave shutdown. Usually approx. 2-4 days with a few additional days required from each team members’ leave balance.
• Mobile phone allowance of up to $55/month (we simply ask to sight your current mobile phone bill)
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family members to use (six confidential counselling sessions/year provided)

This role reports to the Head of Communications, who is based in Sydney. The other team members are based in our head office in Canberra.

To apply, please submit:

• An up-to-date CV/resume; and
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability for the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the key requirements.

Applications should be addressed to the Head of Communications -Sydney.

Please submit your application – CV and cover letter to: employment@ara.net.au by COB Tuesday 11 August 2026.