Internal Communications

Who We Are

The Centenary Institute is a world-leading independent Medical Research Institute. Our strength is in uncovering disease mechanisms and applying this knowledge to improve diagnostics and treatments for patients and find cures for some of the most chronic diseases affecting today's society.

We continue to build on our skills by focusing on and enlarging our research efforts in seven key centres: Biomedical AI, Cancer Innovations, Cardiovascular Research, Healthy Ageing, Infection and Immunity, Inflammation, and Rare Diseases and Gene Therapy.

The Role

We're looking for a dynamic and strategic Internal Communications and Engagement Lead to shape and drive our internal narrative. This role is pivotal in fostering a connected, informed, and inspired workforce through thoughtful communication and meaningful engagement initiatives.

The role will own and manage Centenary's internal communications channels, including intranet, staff newsletter, and town halls, and deliver a program of events that celebrate our people, values, and achievements, and foster collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communication Planning

• Develop and execute internal communication strategies that support business goals, change initiatives, and cultural priorities.
• Partner with senior leaders to craft compelling messaging and cascade key updates across the organisation.

Content Creation & Channel Management

• Own and manage internal channels (e.g. intranet, newsletters, town halls) to deliver timely, relevant, and engaging content.
• Write and edit communications including leadership messages, internal news and employee stories.
• Produce / co-ordinate photo and video content from internal events and activities to enhance storytelling and engagement.

Employee Engagement & Culture Activation

• Design and deliver engagement programs that celebrate our people, values, and achievements, and foster collaboration. This includes managing all logistics of associated internal events.
• Work in partnership with the People & Culture team to drive initiatives such as recognition programs, pulse surveys, and culture improvement campaigns.

Change & Crisis Communications

• Support change management efforts with clear, empathetic communication plans.
• Act as a trusted advisor during sensitive or high-impact moments, ensuring transparency and trust.

Budget management, reporting and other duties

• Manage budget for internal communications and engagement activities.
• Track and report on communication and event effectiveness using data and feedback.
• Other duties as reasonably requested by Manager to meet organisational needs and priorities.

About You

• Degree or relevant experience in Communications, Marketing or Events.
• 5 year's experience in internal communications, employee engagement or events or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to create engaging narratives across multiple formats (video, email, intranet, live events) to change and uplift culture.
• Proven experience managing internal events.
• Confident working with senior leaders to influence and advise
• Budget management experience.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to manage conflicting workloads under strict time pressures.
• Capacity to work autonomously and as part of team.
• Excellent administration and time management skills.
• Growth mindset, adaptable and collaborative.
• Willingness and ability to work outside of normal office hours as required.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Understanding of engagement drivers, employee listening strategies, and culture-building techniques.
• Experience with email marketing platforms such as Campaign Monitor.
• Experience in a similar role for a research organisation or a not-for-profit.

Why Work for Centenary

• World renowned Medical Research Institute
• Affiliations with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, and University of Technology Sydney
• Facilities in the heart of Inner West next to Sydney Uni Campus with coffee machine and in walking distance of shops, cafes and parks
• Supportive team environment and the opportunity to work with some of the leading researchers in the country
• Flexible working options
• Salary packaging options
• Paid week off between Christmas and New Year

For more information about the role, please contact: Head of Communications and Marketing Elise Webster at

Applications close 29 September 2025, 11.59pm.

Please note we will be assessing applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis.