Communications Manager

Lead strategic communications, media and stakeholder engagement for a major cultural centre in a 12‑month parental leave cover role at Carriageworks.

About Carriageworks

Carriageworks is a unique cultural centre located in Redfern, Sydney.  Built within the spectacular Eveleigh Railway Workshops, it hosts vibrant arts events and a thriving creative industries program.  As well as popular events such as the weekly Farmers Market, Sydney Writers’ Festival, and Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, Carriageworks presents its own compelling programme of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Carriageworks operates with a purpose-driven, not-for-profit mission while maintaining an entrepreneurial and commercially oriented approach.  With a recent renewal at both executive and board levels, Carriageworks is poised for a transformative phase in its history, promising significant growth, and impact in the years ahead. 

Carriageworks Values    

• Respect Each Other: Everyone is welcome. Everyone’s voice is important. We learn from each other by listening with empathy and care.     

• Share The Journey: Support others to be their best. We act with integrity and trust. We are collectively responsible.     

• Be Adventurous: Embrace creativity. We search for courageous ideas and new opportunities.      
• Take A Long View: Respect country, prioritise sustainability and nurture new ways of thinking out of old. We lay foundations for generations to come.    

Opportunity

This is a great opportunity to join Carriageworks in a pivotal communications role. The Communications Manager will play a key role in shaping and delivering strategic communications across major show campaigns, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, ensuring all messaging reflects the organisation’s brand, values, and creative vision.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications, the role works collaboratively across the organisation, including with the CEO, Programming teams, Venue Partnerships teams, and Marketing team, to deliver compelling and engaging communications that strengthen audience connection and organisational profile.

This 12-month parental leave contract offers the opportunity to contribute to a diverse and ambitious program of work within a fast-paced, collaborative, and culturally significant environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Head of Marketing and Communications, develop and implement publicity and communications plans that support the overarching and show specific marketing campaigns.  
• Manage corporate and resident communications including annual reports, monthly newsletters, community hotline and events.
• Manage the Carriageworks press office including all media enquiries.
• Write media releases and compile media kits, including support material where necessary.
• Plan and execute long and short lead proactive pitching and oversee the development of media features across national colour magazines, news outlets, podcasts, radio and TV. 
• Lead media monitoring, tracking, analysing and reporting on media coverage and its reach and impact.
• Maintain Carriageworks media contacts database.  
• Manage and brief Carriageworks spokespeople, artists and creative teams for attendance at media calls, interviews and promotional opportunities.  
• Source, collate and archive publicity materials in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator
• Provide strategic communications counsel and advice to a wide range of internal stakeholders when required, including but not limited to assisting the Audience Experience and Digital teams with managing patron feedback and sensitive communications, where necessary.
• In collaboration with the Head of Marketing and Leadership Team, oversee and maintain the crisis communications plan.
• Manage stakeholder relationships (e.g government or presenting partner PR teams) when working on joint announcements.
• Liaise with the Ticketing team to allocate media tickets and accreditation.  
• Attend Carriageworks events and industry functions as required.  
• Assist with maintaining the PR budget, ensuring accurate tracking and invoice processing.
• Any other duties as directed by the Head of Marketing and Communications as required.

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum 5 years experience in a marketing department, advertising/PR agency, marketing or communications role.
• An understanding of the creative process, and a proven ability to work with high-level external and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of media monitoring.
• Experience in website CMS and social networking platforms in a professional context.
• Proficiency in a range of computing skills and technology, specifically MS Office, photo editing programs, online EDM systems and multimedia platforms.
• Experience working within and implementing a strong brand framework.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills 
• Well-developed organisational skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, show initiative and work productively as part of a team.

Why Join Us 

Carriageworks offers the opportunity to work at one of Australia’s most dynamic contemporary arts venues, contributing to world-class events and a vibrant creative community. You’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to delivering outstanding experiences for all audiences. 

APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and your resume to [email protected], outlining your experience against the role responsibility areas. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Please go to the Carriageworks Jobs page for a full job description – https://carriageworks.com.au/vacancies/ 

Application closing date: Monday 25th May 2026 

Diversity

At Carriageworks, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that mirrors the creativity and dynamism of the arts we champion. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disability, the LGBTIQ+ communities, from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.