About the Institute for Economics & Peace 

The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is a renowned international think tank dedicated to empirical approaches to analyse peace and quantify its economic value. IEP produces internationally recognised research, including the Global Peace Index and Global Terrorism Index, alongside a wide range of influential reports examining the economic, social, and political drivers of peace and conflict. Its media reach is measured in the billions, it’s social media impressions were over 30 billion last year with over a million downloads of its reports each year.

Headquartered in Sydney, IEP has offices in New York City, The Hague, Manila, and Nairobi. The organisation works extensively with leading multilateral institutions, governments, NGOs, and development agencies worldwide. We are seeking an exceptional Director of International Communications to lead the next phase of IEP’s global communications strategy.

The Role 

Based in Sydney, this is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering IEP’s international image and communications strategy. IEP uses multiple communications strategies including major press events, social media, training, direct mailing, newsletters, presentations, training, web content and report production to deliver its messages. Working closely with the executive leadership team, you will oversee a high-performing communication division, drive new approaches to improve impact, build audience and uptake of its training courses.

The role combines intellectual leadership, operational management, and commercial capability. The successful candidate will help position IEP at the forefront of global policy discussions on peace and conflict, resilience, development, and geopolitical risk.

You will play a central role in advancing innovative methodologies for communicating peace and resilience, strengthening the impact and reach of IEP’s publications, and helping to expand long-term institutional partnerships with governments, multilaterals, and other stakeholders.

Relocation support is available for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the development and delivery of IEP’s marketing and communications strategy, fostering a high-performance, and mission-driven culture
• Oversee layout and production of high-impact global publications and in conjunction with senior management develop press releases and manage external PR relationships
• Manage and mentor a communications team of 3 professionals with a portfolio of concurrent projects
• Develop the social media strategy targeted at social media channels, AI and influencers interested in peace and international affairs
• Identify and develop new communication strategies, develop partnerships for improving the Institute’s reach and use of the research
• Oversee and drive the development and traffic to the Institute’s web sites.
• Manage and oversee the development of courses related to IEP’s work
• Lead recruitment, team development, management, and capability-building
• Work collaboratively with other IEP directors to maximise reach, influence, and impact
• Support and help expand the delivery of fee paying work

About You 

You are an intellectually ambitious and strategically minded leader with expertise in a number of the following areas: branding, media relations, web development, social media marketing, AI, course development, and partnerships.

You have a proven track record of leading high-impact communication programs and managing complex international initiatives. You combine strong analytical capability with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

You are entrepreneurial, adaptable, and motivated by the opportunity to shape global conversations and policy outcomes through innovative marketing, influential publications, and strategic partnerships.

Essential Experience 

• Marketing and communications leadership within a think tank, commercial business, consulting practice, international organisation, NGO or related institution
• Demonstrated expertise in international relations, geopolitics, public policy, or related disciplines
• Strong track record of producing influential communication products with demonstrated policy or international impact
• Proven experience leading small teams and managing multi-project portfolios
• Demonstrated success in business development, advisory growth, partnership development, or funding acquisition

Why Join IEP? 

• Lead the communications strategy that shapes how governments, multilateral institutions, and development organisations understand peace and resilience
• Drive innovation in one of the world’s leading peace-focused think tanks
• Build strategic partnerships with influential institutions around the world and contribute to measurable real-world impact
• Help redefine how peace, resilience, and societal progress are understood and measured globally