Principal Adviser Executive Communications
Where we’re all welcome We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us who we are.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We acknowledge that all people are different and believe that our differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences and perspectives within our team enhances our way of working and our ability to achieve success together.
About The Role
Reporting to the newly created position of General Manager of Employee Communications for Australia & Iron Ore, this role supports the development and delivery of strategic content for the Chief Executive Australia's communications program. Through strong collaborative relationships with teams across Australian Communications - including Corporate Communications, Indigenous Relations and CSP Communications, Closure Communications and Media Relations - the position holder will craft compelling content that advances Rio Tinto's strategic objectives and position in Australia.
The role requires strong storytelling abilities, strategic thinking, and the skill to translate complex business initiatives into clear, impactful communications that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
This new role mirrors the Principal Advisor of Executive Communications position in London which supports the Chairman and Group Chief Executive.
Reporting to the General Manager of Employee Communications for Australia & Iron Ore you will
- Work closely with Communications teams across Australia to develop and deliver high-impact content that advances the Chief Executive Australia's agenda and Rio Tinto's presence and impact across Australia. Collaborate to ensure all materials powerfully convey Rio Tinto's commitment to Australia while maintaining the Chief Executive Australia's distinct voice and communication style.
- As part of the broader Communications function, take primary responsibility for developing the Chief Executive Australia's communications across all channels, including employee messages, speeches, presentations, announcements and social media content. Partner with other content creators to review and refine materials, ensuring all content reinforces the Chief Executive Australia's priorities.
- Collaborate with the social media team to strategically position the Chief Executive Australia on LinkedIn as a thought leader on Australian industry. Work together to create engaging content that demonstrates Rio Tinto's role in advancing Australia's future, aligning with both local and global business priorities.
- Partner with stakeholders and communications colleagues to establish feedback mechanisms that measure how effectively the Chief Executive Australia's communications are advancing Rio Tinto's strategic objectives in Australia. Work with the team to analyse engagement data, gather stakeholder input, and use collective insights to strengthen the impact of communications across Australian audiences.
Functional & Governance
- Actively keep abreast of Group strategy, initiatives, and key issues to ensure communications support for the Chief Executive Australia. Share any insights and learnings with the broader Communications team to enhance collective understanding and effectiveness.
- Stay current on industry trends, Chief Executive Australia activity, and communications approaches at peer companies and leading corporates. Contribute these perspectives in team meetings and planning sessions to inspire innovative thinking and continuous improvement across the function.
- Take an active role in Communications team meetings, sharing insights from executive communications work to help colleagues understand priorities, emerging issues, and opportunities. Use this forum to identify areas for collaboration and ensure alignment of messaging across different channels and audiences.
- Work closely with the Head of Communications for Australia & Iron Ore who directly partners with the Chief Executive Australia.
What You’ll Bring
- Over 10 years' experience in strategic communications within large organisations, agencies, or government departments, with knowledge of Rio Tinto being advantageous. Must demonstrate a strong track record of protecting and enhancing corporate reputation.
- Exceptional writing abilities, particularly in executive communications and speechwriting, with proven experience crafting compelling narratives for senior leaders. Must be able to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- A genuine team player with a demonstrated commitment to seeing the entire communications function succeed and thrive. Should actively share knowledge, expertise and networks while breaking down silos, fostering open collaboration, and contributing to a culture of shared success across matrix teams.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Must show sound judgment, diplomatic sensitivity, and skill in building consensus while maintaining confidentiality.
- Evidence of proactively seeking and responding to feedback to drive continuous improvement. Should demonstrate agility in adapting communication approaches based on stakeholder input and changing business needs, while openly sharing lessons with colleagues.
What We Offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
- A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
- Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
- Attractive share ownership plan
- Company provided insurance cover
- Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
- Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
- Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
- Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
- Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
- Possible domestic relocation assistance
Where you’ll be working
This role will be based in our Brisbane hub
Applications will close on 26th March 2025
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Every Voice Matters
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.
