Chief Communication Officer

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The Royal Women's Hospital is one of Australia'soldest and most distinguishedtertiary hospitals dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women and newborns, offering specialised services within maternity, neonatal and women's health. Our goal is to be the best place to work, learn and contribute, and to provide exceptional experiences for our patients and consumers.

About the role

The Chief Communications Officer is a key member of the Executive Team, responsible for leading strategic communications, advocacy, media relations, brand management and stakeholder engagement at the Women's. This role is critical in shaping public discourse, influencing health policy, and strengthening the hospital's reputation to help achieve our vision of healthier futures for women and babies.

The Chief Communications Officer acts as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, Board, and Executive Team. The CCO plays a pivotal strategic role in shaping public perception, advancing policy influence, and ensuring clear, inclusive communication with all stakeholders. The role requires a unique blend of healthcare knowledge, political acumen, and strong storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences, including government, patients, donors, staff, and community groups.

This includes proactively monitoring media and relevant issues, alerting the organisation to potential risks and managing high-profile, sensitive, and crisis-related communications.

The incumbent must have an in-depth knowledge of the hospital's performance, areas of activity and research, history and achievements.

Key responsibilities will see you:

• Collaborate with the Executive to develop and deliver strategic plans, lead organisation-wide communication priorities, and provide expert advice to the CEO and Board on high-profile advocacy, stakeholder, and public issues
• Build and maintain effective relationships with media, health sector partners, government stakeholders, and community groups to advance the hospital's advocacy agenda and public policy influence
• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications, branding, media, and engagement strategies that reflect the Women's values and drive awareness, influence, and impact across traditional and digital platforms
• Provide strategic leadership to the Communications team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and performance; support workforce development, change initiatives, and people-focused outcomes across the portfolio
• Ensure communications activities are aligned with operational and clinical service plans, deliver against KPIs, operate within budget, and meet governance, risk, and quality standards

This is a full time, ongoing role.

About you

You will be someone with significant experience working within or alongside government as well as a strong understanding of the public hospital system, along with a deep commitment to health equity, intersectionality, and the advancement of the rights of women and babies .

You'll bring with you:

• Relevant degree or professional qualifications in Communications or related discipline
• Proven executive leadership in communications, advocacy, or stakeholder engagement in a complex or highly scrutinised environment, with a focus on women's and newborn health
• Demonstrated experience in influencing public policy, particularly in women's and newborn health, social justice, or gender equity domains
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues for diverse audiences
• Deep understanding of media and political environments and a strategic approach to managing reputation and influence
• Experience preparing briefs, position statements, and submissions to inform public policy debates

Apply online

If you feel this role is right for you we invite you to apply and encourage your early application. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a valid Working with Children Check.

Role contact: Veronica Matthews, (03) 8345 2005 or Veronica.Matthews@thewomens.org.au.