Head of Communications and Public Affairs

**Dynamic growth opportunity**:

- ** Great culture**:

- ** Flexible and Family Friendly**:

- ** Free Parking**

Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and growing organisation, on a diverse range of projects? The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group is seeking a motivated individual to be our Head of Communications and Public Affairs, who is enthusiastic about using their skills and experience while also having an impact on the health and well-being of all Australians.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Communications and Public Affairs provides strategic advice and oversees the planning, delivery of effective external and internal communication strategies.

**About THRF Group**

THRF Group is a leading South Australian profit for purpose organisation, with national and international impact. Our purpose is simple - together, fight for better health and wellbeing for our community through life-changing medical research and improved healthcare.

This position is located at our Woodville head office, in a complex and ever-changing environment. We offer flexible, family-friendly work arrangements for our team and inspire each other every day

Our culture encourages innovation and teamwork in a fun environment. You’ll join a passionate team driven by our cause and the positive impact we have in the community.

**About the role**

The Head of Communications and Public Affairs is a varied and dynamic role, working across the organisation and supported by the Communications team to ensure effective communications, liaison and development of positive relations and engagement with stakeholders (donors, clinical researchers, medical researchers, universities, media, business and government agencies and departments) is achieved.

The Head of Communications and Public Affairs has significant input into THRF Group strategy and oversees THRF Group public affairs.

The Hospital Research Foundation Group prides itself on offering flexible, family-friendly work arrangements for staff. Our culture encourages innovation and teamwork.

**Role responsibilities include**:

- Create short and long term communication strategies to increase brand awareness and stakeholder engagement to achieve THRF Group's income development objectives as set out in the strategic plan.
- Provide leadership and coaching for the team to drive the implementation of the communication strategies, measuring success and identifying continuous improvement opportunities.
- Direct public affairs and government communications strategy and with the Group Chief Executive Officer act as a media spokesperson.
- Lead the management of THRF Group Brand positioning and oversee the development of brand collateral for THRF Group.
- Lead the Communications team in the preparation of Executive and Ministerial speeches for the THRF Group to promote a consistent and coordinated approach to formal communication with key stakeholders and events and other activities.
- Direct the collation of corporate communication documents including Annual Reports across THRF Group and its affiliate brands with reporting requirements.
- Provide advice to the Chief Executive Officer and the Research Department on communications strategy for grant funding for THRF Group.
- Advise on the development and implementation of major advertising and Public Relations strategies for THRF Group campaigns to complement existing marketing and communication activities.

**About you**

You are degree qualified with proven experience in a similar Communications and Public Affairs role. Ideally you will have strong knowledge and experience working with local and national media outlets to deliver proactive media outcomes.

To be successful in the role you will ideally have:

- Tertiary qualifications in Communications / PR or journalism
- Significant experience in a similar role within corporate communications
- In-depth knowledge of key audience values to achieve communication goals
- Strong leadership and management experience with the ability to motivate and influence others
- Experience in managing and implementing innovative communications strategies
- The ability to adapt and translate highly technical and scientific information
- A strong knowledge of digital communication and marketing platforms
- Experience in relationship management of a wide range of stakeholders including corporate representatives, suppliers, donors and the public
- Experience in and / or knowledge of the ethos of the not for profit industry.
- The ability to positively contribute to the culture of our team
- The ability to contribute advice on strategic objectives and to work with the decisions of the Executive team
- Experience and/or a demonstrable interest in working in the health and medical research sector

Please ensure you have read the Position Description provided and addressed the key criteria in your covering letter.

All enquires to be directed to Paul Flynn, CEO on (08) 8244 1100