Open to opportunities

Lydia Hanna

@lydiahanna

Message

I build strategic communications that turn complex research into influential public narratives.

Australia

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead strategic communications and stakeholder engagement that amplifies work with positive social and environmental impact, translating complex ideas into accessible narratives and meaningful outcomes.

At Infrastructure Victoria, I lead communications and stakeholder engagement for globally influential infrastructure research, translating complex analysis into accessible stories for government, industry, media and communities. My work has generated coverage in The Age, ABC News and regional and online channels.

I'm currently leading communications for Victoria’s largest-ever study of climate-change risks to critical infrastructure. I also launched Infrastructure Victoria’s first Youth Forum, redesigned its webinar program to lift engagement from 3% to 10%, and helped deliver a new website with improved user experience.

Previously, I partnered with leaders at La Trobe University on major government-funded projects including the $101M Sports Park and $37M innovation hubs. I designed engagement for the Bundoora Campus Master Plan refresh, reaching more than 600 participants and generating over 2,500 pieces of feedback.

Across Toyota Australia and CARE Australia, I’ve delivered sustainability reporting, community programs, government relations, fundraising and multichannel campaigns. At CARE, I led record fundraising campaigns, including a $1.48M tax campaign, while improving online donations by 30% through enhancements to the CAREGifts website.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Advisor - Communications

Current

Infrastructure Victoria

Mar 2023 - Present (3 years 5 months)

Built credibility as a trusted advisor to senior executives and multidisciplinary research teams in shaping and executing high-impact communications and stakeholder engagement strategies. Led end-to-end communications strategy for major policy research reports, translating complex technical analysis into accessible narratives for media, government, industry, and community.

Strategic Communications Stakeholder Engagement Media Relations Content Strategy Research translation Event Management A B Testing Digital Analytics CRM Project Management Website Development Cross Functional Collaboration Coaching

Manager – Customer Communications

La Trobe University

Jun 2022 - Mar 2023 (9 months)

Partnered with executive leaders to shape and execute strategic communications plans for major government-funded projects, including the La Trobe University Sports Park and innovation hubs. Advised senior leaders on communications and stakeholder engagement for the University City Master Plan, designing a targeted engagement approach that reached 600+ participants and generated 2,500+ pieces of fe

Strategic Communications Stakeholder Engagement Project Management Community Engagement Event Management Team Leadership Executive Advisory

Senior Coordinator – Government Relations

La Trobe University

Mar 2022 - Jun 2022 (3 months)

Advised the executive and senior leadership teams on external affairs and government relations matters, strengthening stakeholder engagement across local, state, and federal government to position the university for new public-private partnerships and grant funding. Prepared high-quality briefing materials and proposals, and coordinated on-campus events for high-profile Ministers and policymakers.

Government Relations Stakeholder Engagement Strategic Communications Policy Advocacy Event Management Proposal Writing Briefings

Strategic Planning Coordinator

Toyota Australia

Jan 2018 - Mar 2020 (2 years 2 months)

Coordinated strategic planning for Toyota Australia in collaboration with the General Manager and President, facilitating collaborative strategy workshops with cross-functional leaders and synthesising global market research and analytics. Project managed the development of the Sustainability Report and mobilised corporate legacy and community development programs during the closure of manufacturi

Strategic Planning Project Management Sustainability Reporting Stakeholder Engagement Workshop Facilitation Market Research Analytics Community Development

Corporate Communications Consultant

Toyota Australia

Mar 2017 - Dec 2017 (9 months)

Provided corporate communications consulting services for Toyota Australia, supporting strategic planning and communications initiatives.

Corporate Communications Strategic Communications

Fundraising Manager

CARE Australia

Jan 2015 - Feb 2016 (1 year 1 month)

Led the development and execution of fundraising strategy and campaigns that achieved record donations, including CARE's most successful tax campaign generating $1.48M and a Christmas campaign delivering 26% growth. Managed a budget of $1M+ to deliver 8 major appeals and 2 newsletters annually, and project managed enhancements to the CAREGifts website that increased online donations by 30%.

Fundraising Strategy Campaign Management Budget Management Content Creation Storytelling Website Management Project Management