About Us

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is a medical research institute specialising in the brain and mind and is one of the world’s top 10 brain research centres. We employ exceptionally talented people who work to solve the greatest brain and mind challenges of our era. At the Florey our mission-driven culture enables our people to collaborate, thrive, learn, make ground-breaking discoveries and advance health through brain and mind research.

Internal and external communications serves as a vital support service for our research, people and brand.

About the role:

This role is a 12-month maternity cover role for the Head of Communications & Engagement, responsible for all external and internal communications activity at The Florey.

Leading a multidisciplinary team and working with other key teams at the Institute, the role will be responsible for:

• Taking carriage of a strategic communications and engagement plan for The Florey that reflects and aligns with the organisation’s strategic vision;
• Growing awareness, building trust, and garnering meaningful support for The Florey among a variety of key internal and external audiences – including, but not limited to, members of the public, donors, stakeholders.

This role will also be involved in a significant internal engagement project involving a new intranet and a new strategy aimed at improving employee communication.

You will be responsible for:

• Leadership and management: Manage and mentor the Communications & Engagement team, fostering collaboration and refining work practices to maximise impact and demonstrate the value-add.
• Brand custodian: As the custodian of The Florey’s brand, you are responsible for all creative initiatives and ensuring the brand voice resonates across all platforms. You will develop and implement cohesive communications and marketing strategies that confidently represent the brand across all channels to grow brand visibility and familiarity among stakeholders.
• Reputation management: Protect and enhance the short- and long-term reputation of The Florey.
• Internal communications: Oversee the writing, editing and production of a variety of internal communications across numerous channels including but not limited to: all staff communications, email, intranet site development and maintenance, and other digital and print messaging and communications directed to an internal audience.
• Stakeholder engagement: Use formal and informal channels to influence stakeholders to achieve the goals of the organisation, navigating competing priorities and developing relationships for the short- and long-term benefit of the organisation.

Your will work with a team of discipline experts.

Your direct reports look after:

• Media relations
• Website management
• Content development
• Email marketing
• Social media
• Events
• Publications

Detailed information and key responsibilities are available from the attached Position Description.

This is a full-time maternity cover role, expected to cease late March 2026. The position will start at the end of March 2025 with a handover from the current incumbent. The role attracts an annual salary offer ranging from Professional Staff 10-B (PS 10-B) $157,137 to Professional Staff 10-C (PC 10-C) $171,961, commensurate with experience.

Applicants who meet the criteria listed in the Position Description should submit their resume together with a cover letter.

About you:

The successful candidate will have:

• Around 10 or more years in high-performing communications teams and around 3 or more years in similar leadership roles is preferred, with a strong track record of experience in different systems and industries.
• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or similar. Post-graduate qualification is desirable.
• Proven leadership capabilities with an aptitude for cultivating and nurturing fruitful internal and external relationships, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Experience in brand, public relations, stakeholder relations and digital strategies using earned, paid, shared and owned domains.
• Experience within the Not-For-Profit sector is essential. Experience within the Medical Research or Healthcare sector is desirable.
• Exceptional communication, perception, negotiation, and presenting proficiencies.
• Experience in managing a team budget for a broad spectrum of activities across the year.
• Knowledge and understanding of the neuroscience research landscape in Australia is desirable.

What we offer:

Working at the Florey offers you the chance to work with a dedicated group of researchers within a culture that focuses on equity, diversity and collaboration.

Other benefits include:

• Generous salary packaging to maximise your benefits
• Up to 17% superannuation
• Wellbeing initiatives including flexible working opportunities and access to our employee assistance program

If you’re inspired to make a positive difference, apply now.

At the Florey our future focus starts with an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion and a desire to provide a place to tremendous opportunity to everyone.

We seek and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and cultures including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGTBQI+, veterans and people with disability.

For enquiries please contact our Human Resources Team on [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Communications & Engagement enquiry via EthicalJobs.

All final applicants for this position may be asked to consent to a criminal record check.