Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and state-wide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives.

About the Corporate Communications Team

The respected and high-performing Corporate Communications team sits in the Foundation and Corporate Communications division, which is part of the CEO directorate. This division encompasses corporate communications, fundraising and volunteer engagement.

The Corporate Communications team provides strategic communications advice and tactical support to the executive team, divisions and departments. The team manages various communications activities including media relations, issues and crisis management, brand and reputation management, stakeholder relations, government relations, internal communications, event management, and channel management (website, intranet, social media, podcasts, etc.).

About the role

The Head of Communications & Media heads up the corporate communications and media function, and currently has three direct reports: Senior Communications Adviser, Content Producer, and Communications & Engagement Specialist (Fundraising)*. The team also works closely with the Digital Specialist (websites and intranet), who reports into the Director of Fundraising & Corporate Communications.

A regular day will see you:

• Lead internal and external communications and media functions for Austin Health, including the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre
• Serve as the brand steward for Austin Health and all related corporate brands
• Coach and mentor the team to drive exceptional performance
• Provide clarity and direction in a complex and dynamic environment
• Lead and support the team in designing, developing, and implementing effective communication strategies aligned with Austin Health’s strategic and operational goals
• Offer expert issues management advice and strategic counsel to the CEO, Executive, clinical leads, and Director of Fundraising & Corporate Communications
• Lead the evolution of Austin Health’s communications framework and strategies, adopting innovative solutions for continuous improvement and engagement
• Proactively seek and share Austin Health stories and messages to foster trust, goodwill, and positive engagement
• Oversee the growth and effectiveness of Austin Health’s social media engagement using bold, brand-appropriate, and innovative approaches
• Enhance media monitoring and social listening; embed a culture of measurement and improvement for the communications function
• Build effective, mutually beneficial relationships and engagement opportunities with partners and stakeholders to support Austin Health activities, including media, Department of Health, NEPHU, and other relevant organisations.

About you

As the Head of Communications & Media, you will have excellent technical and strategic communication skills, with a strong commitment to support excellence in patient care and embedding a measurement and improvement culture. You’ll bring energy and drive to your work, and have a keen interest in developing your skillset, and mentoring peers and colleagues.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring with you:

• A minimum of 5 years in a leadership role in communications, media or corporate affairs
• Superb interpersonal, leadership and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing effective integrated communications and engagement strategies
• Demonstrated media and issues management experience
• Exceptional technical communication skills
• Authentic commitment to cultural safety.

Our benefits

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including:

• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging for living expenses, meals and holiday accommodation
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounts on fitness memberships and health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program
• Mentoring and career development opportunities
• Onsite childcare, easy access via public transport, car parking and end of journey facilities for cyclists

Work with us!

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures.

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or have questions about this opportunity, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring manager: Anita Rivera, Director, Fundraising & Corporate Communications: [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Communications and Media enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please note, we will not be accepting applications from recruitment agencies for this role at this time. Thank you for your understanding.