Manager, Communications

• Adelaide - Level 1, 107 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA 5033
• Salary $127,000.00 per annum
• Fixed Term Contract Position (1.0 FTE - 76 hours per fortnight until 30th June 2027, with the possibility of a further extension).

Emerging Minds is dedicated to advancing the mental health and emotional wellbeing of infants, children, adolescents and their families in Australia. Emerging Minds develops mental health policy, services, interventions, training, programs and resources in response to the needs of professionals, children and their families. Emerging Minds partners with family members and national and international organisations to implement evidence-based practice into the Australian context.  Emerging Minds strives to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. Different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Business Operations, the Manager, Communications & Marketing is responsible for leading Emerging Minds' communications and marketing strategy. The role positions Emerging Minds as a national leader in infant, child, and family mental health through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, brand and media management, science and policy communication that makes evidence accessible to governments, peak bodies, professionals and the public, and building strong relationships across the political, policy, professional, and media landscape. The role also oversees the end-to-end production and dissemination of content across multiple formats and platforms, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and impact whether delivered as digital resources, multimedia products, policy submissions, social campaigns, or printed publications.

Key duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and delivery of Emerging Minds' communications, marketing, and government relations strategies.
• Manage day-to-day media engagement including media monitoring, proactive media liaison, issue management, and journalist relationships.
• Draft and coordinate media materials (e.g. media releases, op-eds, thought leadership pieces, feature articles).
• Provide high-level media and communications advice to the Director, Board, and senior leaders.
• Develop robust social media strategies and content plans and lead their execution and evaluation.
• Develop and map multi-channel user journeys with a focus on user conversion and delivering engaging interactions across all touch points.
• Build and maintain relationships with government departments, Ministers, parliamentary committees, peak bodies, and professional associations.
• Monitor the political, policy, and sector environment to identify risks and opportunities.

To be successful in this position you will have:

• A relevant undergraduate qualification (e.g. communications, journalism, public policy, political science, science communication, health promotion).
• Demonstrated experience leading communications, marketing, and government/sector engagement in government, non-government, academic, or corporate settings.
• Demonstrated success engaging with governments, peak bodies, professional associations, and policy stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofing skills for diverse audiences and formats.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to communicate effectively across government, media, academic, professional, and community sectors.
• Ability to manage sensitive issues and reputational risks.
• Proven organisational and leadership skills, including managing staff and contractors, balancing priorities, and delivering under pressure.
• Proven ability to determine priorities, meet tight deadlines, and produce a high standard of work under pressure.

Special conditions:

• This position may require intra/interstate travel which may necessitate overnight absences (subject to COVID-19 restrictions and Government health advice).
• It is a condition of employment that the employee is fully vaccinated (as determined by the employer) against COVID-19 to the satisfaction of the employer and provides the employer with evidence it considers satisfactory. These are both inherent requirements of the employee's position. Being fully vaccinated includes booster injections.
• A current National Police Certificate and Working with Children Check are required.
• Candidates must have working rights in Australia for the duration of this contract period.
• This is a fixed term contract position until 30th June 2027, with the possibility of a further contract extension.
• This position is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

EMPLOYEE Benefits

What does Emerging Minds offer:

The ability to contribute to National strategies to improve the wellbeing of infants, children and families.

• A modern, friendly work environment.
• 2 Days of Paid Wellbeing Leave per calendar year.
• 3 Days of Paid Christmas Leave per calendar year.
• Generous Superannuation (additional 3% employer contribution).
• Salary and Entertainment Packaging.
• Flexible and balanced working from home arrangements.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Provider.

Enquiries and further details can be obtained from Rachael Snedden, Senior Manager, Business Operations on , or

Please provide a cover letter to Karen McGregor, HR & Business Advisor outlining your skills and experience together with your resume and the name and email contact details of 3 referees and send to  using the subject line: Manager, Communications & Marketing application. Only applications sent to this address will be accepted.

A Position Description is attached and can also be accessed via the Emerging Minds website at

Applications close Sunday, 5th October 2025 at 4.00pm. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Emerging Minds are committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples or people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds to apply.