Head of Communications

Westminster is an Early Learning to Year 12, coeducational day and boarding, Uniting Church school with
a proud history and an exciting future. We commit to helping all students and staff achieve more than
they thought possible through an adventurous education, which takes place anytime our students are
challenged in their learning and when staff explore new opportunities to improve their profession. Since
opening in 1961, Westminster’s vibrant sense of community has shaped our welcoming, down-to-earth
character, enriched by School values of being brave, humble, kind, authentic, resilient and curious.

**Position name Head of Communications**

**Area of School **Whole School

**Employment Conditions **Award / Agreement Free

The Head of Communications reports to Director of Marketing and
Communications, works closely with all executive leaders, and is a
member of the School Management Group. Ultimately accountable

**Key Relationships **to the Principal, via the Director of Business Operations.

This position works closely with staff and key stakeholders across
the entire School Community.

**_Position Objective: _**
The Head of Communications, plays a pivotal role in shaping and conveying Westminster School’s brand,
vision, and values to both internal and external audiences. This leadership position will oversee the
development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies that enhance the school’s
reputation, engage the community, and support the School’s strategic plan. The Head of Communications
will manage public relations, crisis communications, and produce high-quality content for a variety of
platforms, including newsletters, publications, and the school website.

**_Key Responsibilities: _**

**1. Public Relations (PR)**
- Develop and implement PR strategies to enhance the school’s public image and promote its

achievements across various media outlets.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key stakeholders

to ensure consistent and positive media coverage.
- Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, providing timely and accurate

information.
- Identify and capitalise on opportunities for media engagement and publicity, including

interviews, events, and press releases.
**2. Crisis Communications**
- Lead the development and execution of crisis communication plans, ensuring the school

responds swiftly and effectively to any issues or challenges.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to craft clear, empathetic messaging during times of crisis,

safeguarding the school’s reputation and maintaining stakeholder trust.
- Serve as the school’s spokesperson when required, delivering key messages confidently and with

composure.
**3. Internal and External Communications**
- Oversee all internal communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the

school’s strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with senior leadership and various departments to disseminate important updates,

initiatives, and achievements to staff, students, parents, and the broader school community.
- Manage and streamline external communications, including newsletters, announcements, and other key

correspondence, ensuring they reflect the school’s tone and values.
- Provide support in communications with Old Scholar’s, prospective families, and external partners.

**4. Publications and Newsletters**
- Manage the creation, editing, and distribution of high-quality school publications and newsletters that

highlight student achievements, events, and key messages from the school leadership.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative staff to gather relevant content, ensuring the publications

are informative, engaging, and visually appealing.
- Maintain consistency in tone and style across all school publications, ensuring alignment with the school’s

branding guidelines.

**5. Website Content and Digital Communications**
- Support and contribute to the content strategy for the school’s website, ensuring it remains current,

informative, and aligned with the school’s overall strategy.
- Manage web copy to ensure it reflects the school’s values and effectively communicates key messages to

prospective students, families, and the wider community.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure the school’s online presence is cohesive, engaging, and

regularly updated.
- Provide editorial support for social media platforms to align messaging across all digital channels.

**6. Speech Writing and Executive Communications**
- Draft speeches for senior leadership, including the Principal, for a variety of occasions such as special

assemblies, parent meetings and events.
- Ensure speeches are aligned with the school’s mission and strategic objectives, tailored to the audience,

and delivered with impact.
- Provide guidance and support to school leadership on effective public speaking and communication

strategies.

**7. Stakehol