Executive Director, Strategic Communications

**The role
The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is a senior leadership role within Queensland Health, responsible for leading and overseeing the communication function across the state's public health system. Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Corporate Services Division, this role manages a large multidisciplinary team and provides strategic guidance to the Department of Health and all 16 Hospital and Health Services (HHSs). The Executive Director acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, including the Director-General, Health Service Chief Executives, Boards, and the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, ensuring communications align with Queensland Health's priorities.
This dynamic leader navigates complex and sensitive issues, delivering high-level strategic advice and driving communications strategies, particularly during crises or emergencies. They oversee large-scale engagement projects, social marketing, and behaviour change campaigns, ensuring alignment with government priorities and value for money. Building strong relationships across government, private, and community sectors, the Executive Director represents Queensland Health at senior levels, advocates for its interests, and maintains its public reputation through transparent and responsive communication.
The Successful Person
The ideal candidate is a visionary and experienced communications leader who thrives in high-tempo, complex environments and is passionate about public health. They will bring a proven ability to lead contemporary communications functions and deliver impactful strategies that support organisational goals in a public and political context. Their expertise in issues management, crisis response, and strategic media engagement will be critical to navigating the challenges of a dynamic health landscape.
This person will be a skilled communicator and collaborator, capable of building strong partnerships across government and health services. They will demonstrate sound judgement, particularly in ambiguous or high-stakes situations, and will be proactive in identifying strategic opportunities to enhance Queensland Health's reputation and influence. A commitment to mentoring and empowering a diverse team of professionals will be central to their leadership approach, fostering innovation and excellence across the communications function.
As a senior leader, they will embody the leadership behaviours expected of all Queensland Health leaders. They will lead strategically, thinking critically and acting with purpose to align communications with the broader goals of the health system. They will make insightful decisions, providing clarity and stability in complex situations. They will develop and mobilise talent by investing in their team's growth and encouraging cross-system collaboration. They will drive accountability and outcomes by setting ambitious goals and inspiring collective ownership. Finally, they will foster healthy and inclusive workplaces, championing a culture of respect, wellbeing, and high performance.
Tertiary qualifications in communications, marketing or journalism are highly desirable, and compliance with vaccination requirements under Health Employment Directive No. 01/16 is mandatory.
About the Division
The Corporate Services Division (CSD) provides a wide-range of enabling and business support services to the Department of Health. Focusing on delivering essential corporate services in partnership to enable a high performing Queensland health system, the CSD is responsible for major corporate functions including finance, human resources, legal, risk and assurance, governance, business enhancement, procurement and strategic communications.
Benefits of working with the Department of Health:
By joining the Department of Health you will work within a fast-paced, challenging and supportive environment where every employee plays a critical role in our ongoing success. You will enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
Competitive salary + generous superannuation and leave loading
Flexible working arrangements
Diverse work culture
Career training and development
To reflect the diversity within the communities and people we support and serve, we seek to hire a workforce that is both representative and diverse. With a focus on inclusion, accessibility and flexibility, we are committed to supporting you in your career with us.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your skills and experience relevant for this role.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.**