Strategic Communications Officer

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values‑driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our work is guided by our values of Respect, Integrity, Connection, Quality and Hope, which shape how we work with each other, our partners and the people we support.

Our people go boldly — working to end homelessness and family and domestic violence, and to create opportunities for people experiencing poverty and mental health challenges. We are committed to ethical practice, cultural safety and storytelling that upholds dignity and trust.

Our professional corporate and frontline teams are supported by one of WA’s largest peer support workforces. We value diversity, inclusion and safe, respectful workplaces where difference is embraced and people can do meaningful work with real impact.

By choosing to work with Ruah, you are contributing to an organisation that centres people, leads with values and works toward lasting social change.

About the Role

Where you’ll make an impact

This role supports Ruah’s work across family and domestic violence (FDV), mental health and wellness, housing and homelessness, and Ruah Legal Services, helping communicate complex and sensitive social issues with clarity, care and integrity.

We’re seeking a Strategic Communications Officer to shape, strengthen and protect Ruah’s voice and positioning through clear, consistent and strategic communication.

This role delivers high‑quality strategic and corporate communications across the organisation. You’ll lead the development of messaging frameworks and produce written content across internal and external communications, including speeches, reports, web content and the Annual Report.

Working closely with the Marketing and Engagement Manager, the wider Marketing & Engagement team, and senior leaders, you’ll support media, issues and crisis communications, provide editorial advice, and help ensure messaging is clear, compelling and aligned with Ruah’s strategy and values.

This is a permanent, full‑time position, ideal for an experienced communications professional operating at a Level 5 capability.

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring:

• Experience delivering strategic internal and external communications
• Strong corporate writing and editing skills across reports, speeches and digital channels
• Ability to develop organisation‑wide messaging frameworks
• Experience supporting media, reputation or issue‑based communications
• Strong judgement and organisational skills, including managing sensitive content
• A collaborative working style and alignment with Ruah’s values

Nice to have

• Experience in not‑for‑profit, community or purpose‑driven organisations
• Understanding of diversity, inclusion and culturally safe practice
• Experience supporting media or PR activities (e.g. briefings, statements)
• Familiarity with digital channels (web, social, EDMs) and tools such as InDesign

What do we offer?

• Salary aligned with Level 5 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (SCHADS Award), starting at over $101,000
• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% annual leave loading
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexible options (including access after 6 months’ service)
• Excellent salary packaging to significantly increase your take‑home pay, including:
• Up to $15,900 in core salary packaging
• An additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• Options for travel, accommodation, parking, education expenses and more
• Free, independent and confidential Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Free Ruah‑paid Journey Cover (insurance for travel to and from work)
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah community through Pride events, working groups and reconciliation initiatives

Required compliance documents:

• Current driver’s licence
• National Police Clearance Certificate

How to apply 

We’d love to hear from you.

Please click Apply, create your Humanforce profile, and submit:

• Your current CV
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing your suitability for the role and explaining why you are interested in working at Ruah
• A short task response (maximum 500 words) based on the scenario below

Short task: Media speech notes

Scenario

Our CEO has been invited to speak to media following the release of new data on housing stress and homelessness. The audience is a general news audience. The segment will be short (2–3 minutes), with possible follow‑up questions.

Task

Provide concise dot‑point media notes for the CEO that include:

• Key messages
• How you would frame housing stress and homelessness
• Language or terms you would avoid
• One brief, humanising example (de‑identified)
• A clear call to action

This task is intentionally short and practical. Please spend no more than 60 minutes — we’re looking for instinct, clarity and judgement, not polished perfection. You do not need prior media experience to complete this task.

Why we use task‑based assessments

We use short tasks to understand how applicants think and communicate in real‑world scenarios relevant to the role, rather than relying on CVs alone.

Closing date for applications: COB Friday 22 May

The job advertisement may be closed earlier than the date stated.

For further information, please contact Jacqueline Pelczar, Marketing and Communications Manager, at

jacqueline.pelczar@ruah.org.au

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, we need people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.  Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. 

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.