📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist (Contract)
🔹 Company: Penguin Random House Australia Pty Ltd
🔹 Location: North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time, Contract
🔹 Category: Corporate Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid, 4 days per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Planning and delivering effective corporate communications that align with business objectives
- Creating engaging internal communications to share news, promote key messages, and gather feedback
- Developing consistent key messaging to reinforce the company's strategy and values
- Providing communications advice and recommendations to key stakeholders
- Managing media and communications issues as they arise
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the business and the ability to build trusted internal relationships to deliver highly effective communication and engagement outcomes.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan and deliver effective corporate communications plans that align with business plans and projects
✅ Create and implement engaging internal communications through various channels including the employee intranet, emails, and meetings
✅ Develop consistent key messaging to ensure the company's strategy and values are reinforced and support ongoing engagement within the business
✅ Provide communications advice and recommendations to key stakeholders and manage media and communications issues as they arise
✅ Provide high-quality writing and editing skills to the organization
✅ Work with the Corporate Communications Manager to provide updates on business projects and initiatives within Australia and New Zealand to global counterparts
✅ Maintain and enhance content on the employee intranet, ensuring communications are engaging, relevant, and consistent
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical implementation, and stakeholder management, requiring a versatile and adaptable skill set.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 4 years' experience in a corporate communications role, handling both internal and external communications
Required Skills:
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills and people engagement capability
- Demonstrated experience in leading projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact across all levels
- High-level organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- An interest in books and writing
- Experience with Microsoft office suite and CMS preferable
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the publishing industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While experience in the publishing industry is not required, it may be beneficial for understanding the company's products and services.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AU$80,000 - AU$100,000 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) based on experience and industry standards for a mid-senior level role in corporate communications
Benefits:
- Flexible working hours and hybrid work arrangement
- Opportunity to work for a leading global publisher with a diverse range of books and authors
- Access to employee discounts on books and merchandise
Working Hours: 32 hours per week, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement (4 days per week on-site)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in corporate communications. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Penguin Random House is the world's largest trade book publisher, with a diverse range of authors and titles across many genres and platforms. In Australia and New Zealand, they focus on speed and reliability to reach customers and bring the best books to readers.
Company Size: Penguin Random House has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Penguin Random House was founded in 1935 (as Penguin Books) and has since grown into a global publishing powerhouse.
Company Description:
- Penguin Random House is committed to providing a workplace and culture that values diversity and inclusion across all levels of the business.
- The company recognises and acknowledges the contribution of people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Penguin Random House Australia is part of the global Penguin Random House organisation, which operates in over 20 countries worldwide.
Company Specialties:
- Trade book publishing
- Corporate communications
- Content creation and management
- Branding and marketing
Company Website: https://www.penguin.com.au/ and https://www.penguin.co.nz/
ASSUMPTION: Penguin Random House is a well-established and respected publisher with a strong global presence and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Communications Specialist will report to the Content and Corporate Communications Manager and work closely with the CEO and other key stakeholders within the business.
Work Arrangement: The role is a 12-month parental leave contract with part-time hours (4 days per week) and flexible hours.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for full-time or permanent role upon completion of the contract
- Opportunities for professional development and training within the company
- Exposure to a diverse range of authors, books, and publishing projects
ASSUMPTION: This role offers the opportunity to gain experience in corporate communications within a global publishing company and potentially progress to a full-time or permanent position.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with on-site amenities and facilities
Office Location(s): North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia
Geographic Context:
- North Sydney is a vibrant urban area with a mix of commercial and residential buildings
- The office is located near public transportation, shops, and cafes
- North Sydney offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Flexible hours with a hybrid work arrangement (4 days per week on-site)
ASSUMPTION: The North Sydney office provides a modern and collaborative work environment with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Stakeholder management and engagement
- Project leadership and organisational skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your experience in corporate communications, stakeholder management, and project leadership
- Demonstrate your understanding of the publishing industry and the company's products and services
ATS Keywords: Corporate Communications, Internal Communications, Stakeholder Management, Project Leadership, Written Communication, Verbal Communication, Organisational Skills, Prioritisation Skills, Multi-tasking, Microsoft Office, Content Management Systems, Publishing Industry
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple interviews and assessments to evaluate the candidate's communication skills, stakeholder management, and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Intranet platforms
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist will be expected to have proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with content management systems and intranet platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Knowledge is power
- Every voice matters
- Collaboration is key
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong interest in books and writing, and a passion for sharing knowledge and ideas?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with the ability to adapt to change and prioritise tasks effectively?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and team-oriented work environment, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes?
ASSUMPTION: Penguin Random House values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Balancing strategic planning with tactical implementation
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining effective communication with remote team members
- Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in corporate communications
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist will need to be adaptable, proactive, and responsive to change in order to successfully navigate the potential challenges of this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other corporate communications roles, this position places a greater emphasis on internal communications and stakeholder management
- The publishing industry is unique in its focus on books, authors, and intellectual property, requiring a strong understanding of the company's products and services
- This role offers the opportunity to work for a global publishing company with a diverse range of authors and titles, providing exposure to a wide range of projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other corporate communications positions, its focus on the publishing industry and internal stakeholder management sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing an internal communications plan to announce a major company initiative or restructuring
- Creating engaging content for the employee intranet, including news articles, Q&As, and feature stories on colleagues and their work
- Managing a crisis communications situation, such as a data breach or negative media coverage, to protect the company's reputation and maintain stakeholder trust
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Specialist will be involved in a wide range of projects, from strategic planning and tactical implementation to crisis management and stakeholder engagement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to internal communications and how this role fits into that strategy?
- How does the Communications Specialist collaborate with the CEO and other key stakeholders to ensure consistent and effective messaging?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the company's internal communications, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the field of corporate communications?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements, particularly for hybrid or remote employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the company's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including specific examples of your experience in corporate communications, stakeholder management, and project leadership
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable, to demonstrate your communication skills and achievements
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
