Manager, Engagement

Manager, Engagement & Communications

Full Time - Fixed Term 6 months

Based in Cairns

Salary: Wuchopperen Health Service Limited Enterprise Agreement (2023)

Administrative Grade 8: $126,788.38 to $138,686.63 per annum

Wuchopperen Health Service

'Keeping Our Generations Growing Strong'

Wuchopperen is a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation providing holistic health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cairns.

Benefits of working with Wuchopperen:

We provide a positive work culture and a diverse and inclusive environment. Our people matter to us, and we are committed to supporting them:

• Competitive Salary + 12% Super + Salary Sacrifice (up to $15,899 for tax free benefits and $2,650 p/a for entertainment benefits).
• 5 weeks annual leave and 15 days personal leave pro rata.
• Commitment to professional development.
• EAP for employees and family members.

About the role:

Reporting to the Director Corporate Support, the Manager Engagement & Communications, will be the driving force behind Wuchopperen's voice & visibility. Your mission is to connection, inspire and empower, crafting bold campaigns, building trusted relationships, and amplifying our impact across platforms. You'll lead a passionate team, share strategic messaging, and ensure our communications reflect the strength and spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Key Focus Areas:

• Strategic Communications: Develop and lead a bold, culturally grounded communications strategy that reflects Wuchopperen's values and vision.
• Community Engagement: Build strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring our messaging resonates and empowers.
• Health Promotion: Design and deliver impactful campaigns that improve health outcomes and inspire action across all life stages.
• Brand Leadership: Strengthen Wuchopperen's reputation and visibility through consistent, compelling storytelling across all platforms.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a high-performing communications team, fostering creativity, collaboration, and growth.
• Digital Presence: Elevate our online footprint through smart content strategies, SEO/SEM, and data-driven insights.
• Event Coordination: Plan and execute culturally relevant events that connect, celebrate, and inform the community.
• Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate meaningful partnerships with media, influencers, and sector peers to amplify our voice and impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate a bold communications and engagement strategy that aligns with Wuchopperen's values and strategic direction.
• Foster genuine relationships with media, influencers, community leaders, and partner organisations to amplify our voice and impact.
• Align communications across diverse programs and stakeholders.
• Create culturally relevant campaigns that promote health, celebrate our people, and elevate Wuchopperen's brand.
• Ensure all messaging is respectful, inclusive, and resonates deeply with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences.
• Plan and run events—big and small—that connect, inform, and inspire, ensuring every detail reflects our community and culture.
• Oversee the creation of promotional materials and publications, including the Annual Report, ensuring quality, accuracy, and cultural relevance.
• Guide and support the Communications Coordinator and Communications Officer, fostering growth, creativity, and collaboration.
• Shape compelling narratives through digital, print, and multimedia that inspire community engagement and improve health outcomes.
• Manage content and apply SEO/SEM strategies to ensure Wuchopperen is visible, accessible, and impactful online.
• Provide expert advice to leadership on communication improvements and lead projects that drive continuous quality enhancement.
• Design and coordinate client and staff surveys, analyse feedback, and use insights to inform strategy and improve engagement.

Core Capabilities:

For applicants to be successful in this role, they should demonstrate:

1. A proven ability to lead with purpose; designing, delivering and refining impactful communications and engagement strategies that align with organisational goals.
2. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
3. Strong skills in managing projects and crafting marketing and communication campaigns that bring events and services to life.
4. Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and advocate effectively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
5. Confidence working solo and within multidisciplinary teams—able to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
6. Demonstrated ability to meet and work within the core values and behaviours of Wuchopperen.

Qualifications and experience:

• You'll need a relevant Bachelor level degree qualification (e.g. journalism, marketing, PR, communications) and at least 5 years of industry experience—ideally in a leadership role. Evidence of qualifications is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.

Requirements:

• While this is mostly an office-based role, you'll occasionally need to help with events and activities that involve physical tasks, so a good level of fitness is important.
• It is a condition of employment in this role for the employee to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, whooping cough, and hepatitis B.
• It is recommended for the employee to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
• It is a condition of employment that all employees are holders of a current and valid "Blue Card" or "Working with Children Check". This is at your cost. Employment cannot commence or continue if you do not have a "Blue Card" or if your "Blue Card" is withdrawn or is disqualified. A current CPR certificate (or willingness to obtain one within 6 weeks of starting).
• Possession of a valid Queensland C or CA class driver's licence is essential.
• Commitment to work within the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control and support the leadership development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn internal client management systems.
• Proof of qualifications is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
• A commitment to adhere to Wuchopperen's policies and procedures.

Applicants who do not address these requirements, will not be considered for shortlisting.

Note: Revised legislation requires applicants to hold a blue card prior to commencement. Refer to Qld Government's Blue Card Services website for more information.

How to apply:

To be eligible for interview, applicants must submit a cover letter (no more than two pages), addressing the Core Capabilities and an up-to-date Resume including two referees and complete the screening questions.

For more information contact Frankie, Director, Corporate Support on

Wuchopperen is a Child Safe Organisation and the safety, and wellbeing of children is of utmost importance.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 17th November 2025