Role type: Full-time; Fixed Term role for 9 months

Department: Advancement, Communications and Marketing

Salary: UoM 9 - $143,185 - $148,972 p.a. plus 17% super

• Drive impactful communications strategies, collaborate with senior leaders and enhance institutional reputation.
• Apply now to lead transformative communications initiatives and shape the University's narrative.
• Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

As the Strategic Communications Lead, you'll spearhead integrated communications and stakeholder engagement strategies for prestigious University faculties. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, developing and implementing multi-channel communication programs that span internal and external audiences. Your role will be crucial in enhancing the University's reputation globally while driving strategic objectives across various academic divisions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and Implement Communication Strategies: Design and deliver integrated communications plans to meet faculty objectives and enhance the University's reputation.
• Provide Strategic Advice: Offer best practice communications guidance to senior leaders, including developing leadership communications plans for Deans and senior leaders.
• Lead Content Development: Oversee a team to create engaging, multi-channel content for internal and external audiences, leveraging institutional platforms.
• Manage Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain collaborative relationships across the University, coordinating activities and sharing content effectively.

You may be a great fit if:

You are an experienced communications professional with a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic communication programs in complex environments, possessing exceptional writing skills and the ability to provide high-level advice to senior stakeholders.

You may also:

• Have extensive experience in communications and stakeholder engagement, with a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Possess strong expertise in stakeholder engagement and issues management.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, crafting compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Have a proven ability to manage complex projects and lead teams effectively.
• Show adaptability and agility in navigating ambiguous, rapidly changing environments.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team - Advancement, Communications and Marketing

The Vice-President (Advancement, Communications and Marketing) leads the Advancement, Communications and Marketing team. Advancement works with colleagues across the University and its affiliates to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni, friends and benefactors. Communications and Marketing formulates and leads strategies in support of the University of Melbourne's overarching strategic plan, Advancing Melbourne.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker - 0478 269 660 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to [email protected]. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at [email protected].

Working at the University - what you need to know

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Walid Abdullatif via email at [email protected], ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 22 July 2025 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: JR-002020 Strategic Communications Lead (mdhs) PD.pdf