Head of Communications

Better and fairer care.  Always.

St Vincent's has been a leader in Australia's health and aged care landscape for more than 165 years. Since our founders, the Sisters of Charity, opened our first hospital in 1857, our services and nearly 30,000 people have been behind some of Australia's most important medical breakthroughs. We are a microcosm of Australia's health and aged care system and are uniquely positioned to lead and respond to our rapidly changing environment.

We are looking for a special kind of person - a St Vincent's kind of person. Someone who puts excellence, compassion, connection and caring for other people at the heart of everything they do.  

Reporting directly to the National Director of Communications and Brand, you will step into a pivotal leadership role as the Head of Communications - Private Hospitals. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of communications across our Private Hospitals Division by providing strategic direction and vision.

As a key strategic partner to the CEO of the Private Hospitals Division and the Executive Leadership Team, you will guide and influence communications strategy at the highest level. You will also work in close collaboration with local marcomms teams and your Public Affairs and Advocacy colleagues, ensuring that all communications are integrated, consistent, and aligned with St Vincent's core values. There may be a requirement to collaborate with other divisional leaders outside the Private Hospital Division to support the wider organisation.

This is more than just a communications role, it's a chance to build strong networks and champion best practice across our organisation. You will lead without direct authority, fostering a collaborative environment to deliver effective, brand-aligned messaging that meets the needs of our diverse communities and hospital leadership.

This is a Permanent Full Time position based in any of our Group Head Offices in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne on a hybrid working arrangement. There may be a requirement to travel interstate and work outside standard business hours occasionally as part of this role.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Lead Strategic Communications: You will architect and spearhead the integrated communications strategy for the Private Hospitals Division, ensuring alignment with our national brand and strategic priorities.
• Empower Local Teams: You will serve as a trusted mentor and guide, providing hospital-based teams with the strategic direction, tools, and frameworks they need to elevate the quality and impact of their local communications.
• Amplify Our Story: You will uncover and champion compelling stories, spokespeople, and innovations from across the private division to strengthen our brand reputation and position St Vincent's as a thought leader in healthcare.
• Build a Collaborative Network: You will foster a strong, cohesive community of communicators across our hospital network, promoting shared planning, joint campaigns, and the adoption of best practices.
• Act as a Strategic Partner: You will partner directly with the CEO of the Private Hospitals Division and the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic direction, planning, and oversight to support their leadership.
• Safeguard Our Brand: You will maintain governance and oversight for brand compliance, key messaging, and strategic communications across the private hospital network, protecting our reputation and ensuring consistency.
• Navigate Issue Communications: You will play a critical role in planning and executing issue communications, working in collaboration with local leaders and media teams to manage and mitigate reputational risk.

Things that work for us:

• Demonstrated experience in communications, media, or corporate affairs, with success in a senior leadership role within a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation.
• Experience developing and delivering integrated communications strategies at a divisional or group level.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, particularly the ability to lead without direct authority.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional qualifications and education in communications, media, or a related field.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and content development skills.
• Experience working with hospital executives or healthcare professionals in a communications capacity

Things that work for you:

• Ability to visibly see your impact on the business and its service
• Competitive salary packaging options
• Discounted private health insurance
• Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families
• Access to the Fitness Passport (FP)

At St Vincent's we value inclusivity and diversity and acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, fair and impartial and invites people from all backgrounds to join us.

Pre-Employment Checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all required pre-employment checks, including relevant immunisations.

Equal Opportunity

We celebrate diversity & inclusion and are committed to equal employment opportunity for everyone.

How To Apply

Please submit your application via the Apply button, include your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability.

At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For further information, visit or get in contact at

View Reconciliation Action Plan

View Code of Conduct