Head of Strategic Communications & Engagement
Help bring history to life through powerful storytelling and strategic engagement. As Head of Strategic Communications & Engagement, you will lead MHNSW’s communications, media and stakeholder engagement functions, shaping public perception, building influential relationships and amplifying the organisation’s impact across NSW.
What the opportunity is:
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Employment with Museums of History NSW.
Clerk Grade 11/12. Remuneration package includes salary ($154,231 - $178,36- , employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
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Full-time employment on an ongoing basis.
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The role will work across Sydney.
What we do
Museums of History NSW brings together a portfolio of iconic museums, rich collections and heritage sites, the nation’s oldest archive collection, vital recordkeeping services and expert staff.
We bring history to life by sharing the stories of our places and collections. Through the State Archives Collection, we manage NSW’s official documentary heritage, supporting government transparency and the public’s right to access information.
These two roles do not just sit side by side – they inform and enrich each other. By preserving and making accessible our places, collections and archives, we create opportunities for people to explore the past and better understand their own place in the world. By supporting lifelong learning and inviting people to come together, we promote civic literacy, empathy, wellbeing and belonging.
We believe that history belongs to everyone. This is the promise and the purpose of MHNSW.
Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).
What you'll do with us:
The Head of Strategic Communications & Engagement leads the strategic direction and delivery of communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and government relations across MHNSW, shaping how the organisation communicates with staff, government, media, partners, stakeholders and the community.
Through integrated communications, media and engagement strategies, the role strengthens MHNSW’s reputation, influence and organisational alignment, ensuring its priorities, programs and public position are clearly understood and effectively supported by key stakeholders.
Operating within a complex and high-profile state cultural institution, the role provides strategic advice to the CEO, Executive and senior leaders; leads proactive and reactive media, corporate messaging, issues and reputation management; oversees stakeholder management, Board-facing communications and strategic stakeholder events; and ensures communications activity is coordinated, timely and aligned to organisational and government priorities.
For more information on the role, please contact Christopher Hodge, Director, Strategy & Engagement at
[email protected].
What you need to do to apply
To apply you will need to submit the following:
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A one to two page cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences meet the essential requirements for this role.
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A current resume listing two referees, and
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Respond to the 2 targeted questions (no more than 300 words per answer). Your responses to the targeted questions should be submitted online during your application and not included in the covering letter.
What you need to tell us - Targeted questions:
1. Tell us about a time you strengthened how an organisation told its story or communicated its purpose, priorities or public value. How did you identify what needed to change, adapt the message for different audiences or channels, and build greater clarity and consistency across the organisation?
2. Tell us about a time you managed communications for a sensitive, complex or high-profile matter. How did you ensure the response was accurate, robust and subject to the right review and approval processes, while keeping key stakeholders informed and managing ongoing sensitivities?
Essential requirements of the role:
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Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, media, public relations, journalism, public affairs, government relations or a related discipline, and/or equivalent professional experience.
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Demonstrated experience in a senior communications, media, public affairs or stakeholder engagement role in a complex, public-facing organisation.
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Ability to participate in occasional out-of-hours work, including media matters, issues management, stakeholder events or public programs, as required.
Also note:
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For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process please refer to Applying for a job.
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Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact [email protected].
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For technical support with your application, please contact [email protected].
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To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
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All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
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A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
Submit your application before the closing date: 10am Thursday, 30 July 2026.
Diversity and Flexible Working
We are expert keepers and tellers of history, and its many stories, peoples, and cultures. We want to create a team and workplace that reflects this diversity as well as the diversity in the communities we serve. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better, more inclusive results and connects our people to our communities, to our history, and to each other.
Our vision is to support and empower First Nations people, communities and culture, and across the sites that we care for, we are committed to shifting perspectives, truth telling and delivering honest reflections on history.
We understand that flexibility means different things to different people and are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where and when possible.
If you are a First Nations applicant who would like to have a yarn about the role, or require additional support, please contact Dennis Taylor our Manager First Nations Employment & Engagement on 02 8239 2284 or via
[email protected].
Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.
For more information, please visit:
Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
