Strategic Communications Manager

Location: Thomas Embling Hospital (Fairfield)

Employment Type: Full-time (0.8 FTE considered)

Employment Details

- Classification : HS8
- Pay Range : $136,650 plus Super and Benefits. Adjustment will be made once the new EBA is implemented.
- Reports to : Head of Strategy
- Work Pattern : Full-time or 0.8 FTE considered for the right candidate

About the Organisation

Forensicare is Victoria’s specialist provider of forensic mental health services, delivering recovery-focused care across secure, community and inpatient settings.

We support consumers living with serious mental illness who are connected to, or at risk of contact with, the justice system—promoting recovery, rehabilitation and community safety.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead a refocused External Communications and Engagement function at a pivotal moment for Forensicare, with a new organisational strategy commencing in 2026.

Balancing hands‑on delivery with big‑picture thinking, you will shape and execute external communications, media, digital and stakeholder engagement initiatives that strengthen Forensicare’s reputation and impact.

Working closely with the Head of Strategy, you’ll play a key role in elevating the organisation’s profile—amplifying lived experience voices, influencing public narrative, and showcasing the value of forensic mental health services and research.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and deliver communications and engagement plans aligned to strategic priorities
- Create high‑quality content across media, digital and executive channels
- Manage website (WordPress), social media and digital performance insights
- Act as key media contact and build strong journalist relationships




- Lead stakeholder engagement planning and delivery
- Support issues management and reactive communications
- Monitor media and engagement performance, providing actionable insightsProvide trusted strategic communications advice to leaders
- Partner across the organisation to support change and continuous improvement

About You

You’re a versatile communications leader who can switch between hands‑on execution and strategic thinking with ease.

You will bring

- Qualifications in communications, PR, journalism or similar
- Experience in external communications, media or stakeholder engagement
- Excellent writing and storytelling across multiple platforms
- Media relations and issues management experience
- Solid stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Ability to deliver end‑to‑end initiatives in a complex environment
- High attention to detail and strong organisational capability
- Experience with WordPress and digital channels

Eligibility

- Influenza and Immunisation Evidence
- This position is subject to a Police Check

Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with a lived experience of disability, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Forensicare promotes our guiding principles of RESPONSIVENESS, INTEGRITY, IMPARTIALITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RIGHTS ; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.

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📌 Strategic Communications Manager (City of Darebin)
🏢 Forensicare
📍 City of Darebin