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ROLE OVERVIEW

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 transparent, 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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic leadership and advisory

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

- Chief Executive Officer
- Leadership Team
- Advocacy, Government Relations and Policy teams

External

- Media and key influencers
- Industry and peak bodies
- Member organisations

CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE

- Extensive senior experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media leadership
- Proven ability to shape narratives, influence public debate, and deliver high-impact campaigns
- Robust 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

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTIES

- Politically astute and strategically minded
- Influential and credible leader
- Outcome-focused with solid execution capability
- Creative, adaptable and able to operate with pace and precision
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and judgement

Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3ls8u1

📌 Head of Strategic Communications (Canberra)
🏢 Universities Australia
📍 Canberra