Are you an expert in using strategic communications to amplify awareness and drive change in gender equity? Women’s Health Victoria (WHV) is looking for an Advocacy & Communications Manager to join our leadership team at a critical moment of public momentum to drive equity in women’s health!

This new role is key to amplifying the organisation’s impact and driving policy and advocacy efforts aligned to WHV’s bold new strategic plan.

About WHV

WHV is a statewide, feminist, not-for-profit leading the pursuit of gender equity in health. We work with government, the health sector and the community to create better health outcomes for women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people.

WHV delivers vital support services to the community and empowering health information. We share evidence and recommendations to challenge bias in the health system. We build capacity in the health sector to achieve equitable health outcomes.
We foster an environment of inclusion, innovation and respect.

Advocacy & Communications Manager

In this new role, aligned to our organisation’s strategy and direction, you’ll demonstrate your expertise in strategic communications, advocacy, policy and stakeholder engagement by leading a team responsible for developing impactful communications and shaping policy advancing our mission for a fairer, more equitable health system.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing strategic communications, media and engagement strategy, informed by evidence, practice expertise and lived experience.
• Overseeing and supporting key internal and external communications and engagement activity, including websites and social media presence, public relations and media engagement, content development, and marketing and promotion.
• Leading the development and implementation of organisational advocacy strategy, including the development of policy positions and submissions to influence government, regulatory bodies and key stakeholders, aligned with WHV’s strategy and responsive to emerging policy opportunities.
• Engaging with stakeholders including policy makers,, community leaders, and partner organisations to promote our policy and advocacy
• Building and maintaining relationships with community partners and advocates to enhance our visibility and influence.

Amongst other selection criteria, as an ideal candidate, you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, marketing, public health, social policy, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of eight years' experience in communications, advocacy and/or policy development or related area.
• Experience in leading and managing media engagement or more broadly in media, journalism or public relations.
• Experience working in or with government to develop policy positions and advocacy strategies to advocate for change aligned with an organisation’s purpose.
• Experience in developing communications strategies and campaigns, marketing strategies and public engagement strategies.
• Experience successfully developing strategic goals into actionable projects, strategies and implementation plans, including managing multiple and sometimes competing priorities.
• Expertise and experience in social policy and programs, particularly in women’s health, gender equality, mental health, cancer and/or sexual reproductive health.

If you want to be part of an organisation making a difference in leading the pursuit of gender equity in health, this could be the role for you! A position description is located on the WHV website which includes further details relevant to the position.

Benefits of working at WHV

Working at WHV you will be a part of a dedicated community who are guided by a shared goal and carry out meaningful work with the commitment and courage to make a difference.

We are proud to provide a number of innovative employee benefits for our staff such as:

• Flexible work hours and family friendly policies
• Hybrid working
• Access to salary packaging
• Paid end of year close-down – additional to annual leave

How to Apply

If you think you'd be a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.

Please provide a CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role.

We strongly encourage applications from applicants with diverse experience and backgrounds. We welcome people with lived experience and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters, relating to women’s health holistically.

For more information about the role and working at WHV, contact Sally Hasler, CEO, at [email protected] using the subject line: Advocacy and Communications Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.