The Head of Strategic Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering a high-impact, nationally coordinated communications strategy that drives the organisation’s influence in Australia’s economic and policy debate. This role operates as an extension of the CEO in shaping the organisation’s public voice and national profile.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role acts as a trusted adviser and strategic partner to the CEO, Chair and Board, positioning the organisation as a clear, authoritative and influential voice in the national debate. The role leads the organisation’s media, digital, campaigns, events and flagship programs – ensuring an integrated, disciplined and audience-focused approach to communications that drives engagement with members, media, stakeholders and the broader community.
The Head of Strategic Communications brings a proactive, insight-driven and outcomes-focused approach – translating complex policy into compelling narratives, shaping public discourse and strengthening the organisation’s influence in a highly contested environment. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong judgement, political awareness and the ability to operate effectively at pace in a complex and fast-moving landscape.
REPORTS TO Chief Executive Officer
DIRECT REPORTS 4 - 5
Employment Type Full-time – 2-year contract
Strategic leadership and advisory
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Set and deliver an integrated communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
- Provide trusted counsel to the CEO, Board and Executive on media, communications and reputational matters
- Anticipate risks and opportunities, shaping timely strategic responses
- Align communications, advocacy and policy to maximise influence and impact
- Contribute to organisational strategy, positioning and performance
Media, public affairs and reputation
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Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including issues and crisis management
- Build and leverage senior media relationships to shape narrative and extend reach
- Protect and strengthen the organisation’s brand, reputation and public profile
- Oversee high-quality media materials, commentary and executive communications
- Prepare and coach senior leaders for media and public engagement
Campaigns, content and digital
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Design and deliver targeted campaigns that influence public debate and advance priorities
- Translate complex policy into clear, compelling, audience-focused messaging
- Set and deliver digital strategy across web, social and content platforms
- Drive innovative content that builds engagement and organisational influence
- Ensure consistency of messaging and define metrics to track reach, engagement and impact
Stakeholder engagement and platforms
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Enable strategic engagement with government, industry and members through effective communications
- Partner with policy, advocacy and government relations teams to align external messaging
- Lead a program of national platforms, including flagship events, forums and awards
- Use campaigns, events and programs to strengthen relationships and position the organisation as a trusted convenor
Leadership and delivery
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Lead, coach and develop a high-performing communications team
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement
- Set clear priorities and ensure disciplined planning and execution across the function
Internal:
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Chief Executive Officer
- Leadership Team
- Advocacy, Government Relations and Policy teams
External
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Media and key influencers
- Industry and peak bodies
- Member organisations
- Extensive senior experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media leadership
- Proven ability to shape narratives, influence public debate, and deliver high-impact campaigns
- Strong expertise in media management, including issues and crisis communications
- Deep understanding of government, political, and policy environments, with strong stakeholder networks
- Exceptional strategic judgement, problem-solving, and decision-making capability
- Experience leading high-performing teams and advising senior executives or boards in complex, high-stakes environments
- Ability to operate at pace, manage competing priorities, and navigate ambiguity
- Politically astute and strategically minded
- Influential and credible leader
- Outcome-focused with strong execution capability
- Creative, adaptable and able to operate with pace and precision
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and judgement
- Competitive salary with options for 12%, 15.4% or 17% super depending on preference
- Flexible hybrid work model, including remote days and core-hours scheduling.
- Salary packaging options that can improve your take home pay
- Generous parental leave entitlements
- FREE annual flu vaccinations
- FREE parking
- Access to free guidance and counselling through our Employee Assistance Program
- A vibrant, inclusive culture.
We welcome people from all backgrounds and value the different experiences, perspectives and strengths each person brings. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, neurodivergent people, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Interstate residents will be considered for this role noting that travel will be expected from time to time.
Please include your CV and a cover page which outlines your suitability for the role.
Applications close Sunday 24th May 2025 11:59pm.
Please email hr•@uniaus.edu.au if you have any queries about the role.
Please visit our company website for more information
