Head of Communications and Media

Location: Melbourne | Parkville

Job type: Ongoing - Full Time

Organisation: Austin Health

**Salary**: $69 - $80

Occupation: Communications, Marketing and Media

Reference: 2456

**_Are you a current Austin Health employee? _**

Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and state-wide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives.

**About the Corporate Communications Team**

The respected and high-performing Corporate Communications team sits in the Foundation & Corporate Communications division, which is part of the CEO directorate. This division encompasses corporate communications, fundraising and volunteer engagement.

The Corporate Communications team provides strategic communications advice and tactical support to the executive team, divisions and departments. The team manages various communications activities including media relations, issues and crisis management, brand and reputation management, stakeholder relations, government relations, internal communications, event management, and channel management (website, intranet, social media, podcasts, etc).

**About the role**

The Head of Communications & Media heads up the corporate communications and media function, and currently has three direct reports: Senior Communications Adviser, Content Producer, and Communications & Engagement Specialist (Fundraising)*. The team also works closely with the Digital Specialist (websites and intranet), who reports into the Director of Fundraising & Corporate Communications.

A regular day will see you:

- Lead internal and external communications and media functions for Austin Health, including the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre
- Serve as the brand steward for Austin Health and all related corporate brands
- Coach and mentor the team to drive exceptional performance
- Provide clarity and direction in a complex and dynamic environment
- Lead and support the team in designing, developing, and implementing effective communication strategies aligned with Austin Health’s strategic and operational goals
- Offer expert issues management advice and strategic counsel to the CEO, Executive, clinical leads, and Director of Fundraising & Corporate Communications
- Lead the evolution of Austin Health’s communications framework and strategies, adopting innovative solutions for continuous improvement and engagement
- Proactively seek and share Austin Health stories and messages to foster trust, goodwill, and positive engagement
- Oversee the growth and effectiveness of Austin Health’s social media engagement using bold, brand-appropriate, and innovative approaches
- Enhance media monitoring and social listening; embed a culture of measurement and improvement for the communications function
- Build effective, mutually beneficial relationships and engagement opportunities with partners and stakeholders to support Austin Health activities, including media, Department of Health, NEPHU, and other relevant organisations.

**About you**

As the Head of Communications & Media, you will have excellent technical and strategic communication skills, with a strong commitment to support excellence in patient care and embedding a measurement and improvement culture. You’ll bring energy and drive to your work, and have a keen interest in developing your skillset, and mentoring peers and colleagues.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring with you:

- At least 5 years in a leadership role in comms, media or corporate affairs
- Superb interpersonal, leadership and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated experience in developing and executing effective integrated communications and engagement strategies
- Demonstrated media and issues management experience
- Exceptional technical communication skills
- Authentic commitment to cultural safety.

**Our benefits**

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including:

- Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging
- A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounts on fitness memberships and health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program
- Mentoring and career development opportunities
- Onsite childcare, easy access via public transport, car parking and end of journey facilities for cyclists

**Work with us**

**Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the**position description** for further details.**

**Application closing date: Monday 3 February 2025