The Communications Manager will develop and implement a strategic plan for internal and external communications for the Institute and Foundation, and promote the Institute and its research. This position will be responsible for all other corporate communication including media, social media, internal and external communication, marketing, community engagement and websites. This role is integral to managing the Institute’s brand and reputation.

In this role, you will provide strategic advice and operational expertise to build profile and drive awareness of the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. You will also build the profile and understanding of individual research centres, researchers and research projects and outcomes. This work is critical to support revenue generation.

This role sits within the Communications and Development team, reporting through to the Chief Executive Officer of the Westmead Institute for Medical Research Foundation. You will work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and members of the Development team to drive communications opportunities and to position both the Institute and the Foundation for long term success and growth.

As part of a small team, the Communications Manager must be pro-active and prepared to manage, deliver and assist with all of the operational tasks and functions associated with internal and external communication. An ability to respond to requests swiftly and deliver a client-focused service, while maintaining a focus on the higher level communications priorities is also critical.

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following education, experience, and technical knowledge:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies to deliver on communication, campaigns and event objectives.
• Experience in developing and implementing integrated PR/Marketing campaigns, with an appreciation of both brand and ROI.
• Extensive media engagement experience with an ability to effectively craft key messaging, media releases, identify and pitch to key journalists.
• The ability to strategically identify and leverage media opportunities.
• Well-developed relationships with journalists, with a focus on journalists in the health and medical research sector.
• Experience in managing agency relationships.
• Experience in delivering results with minimal budget support.
• Understanding of contemporary communications techniques including experience in managing social media strategy and social media platforms.
• Experience in strategic brand management.
• Team collaboration and team development.
• Tertiary qualifications and/or relevant experience in journalism, public relations, marketing or communications.

Attitude and Attributes

• A keen interest in the news cycle and current affairs.
• A strong interest in health and medical research.
• A tenacious, can do attitude with demonstrated organisational and time management skills and strong attention to detail.
• A strong track record and demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and as a member of a team.
• An understanding and appreciation of the importance of medical research is desirable.
• Th willingness and ability to assist with the management of media enquiries, social media monitoring and active participation in events outside of regular office hours as necessary.
• The ability to wear multiple hats and to stretch beyond the realms of your defined job role to contribute as part of the broader team.
• The capability to think both strategically and creatively, with a focus on approaching issues in a non-traditional way to deliver results with minimal financial outlay.

Applications should include a resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

All applications will be reviewed but only applications that meet the selection criteria will be considered for short-listing.

We celebrate and embrace diversity and we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures.