- Lead the national media and communications strategy for one of Australia’s most recognised and respected health organisations
- Shape narrative and strengthen the organisation’s position as a leading and trusted voice on diabetes care, prevention, research and policy
- Work closely with the CEO, Executive team and senior stakeholders in a strategic and hands-on leadership role with real purpose and impact

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. The organisation works collaboratively across government, healthcare, research, and community sectors to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals and society. Guided by values of compassion, accountability, authenticity, commitment, and collaboration, Diabetes Australia is focused on delivering meaningful, sustainable change.

How you will make an impact:

The Head of Media & Communications will lead the development and execution of Diabetes Australia’s media and communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and advocacy objectives while enhancing the organisation’s reputation, profile and influence.

Leading a small team, the role will work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver a high-impact integrated media and communications strategy. The role provides strategic counsel, shapes compelling narratives and messaging, identifies emerging issues and opportunities, drives integrated PR campaigns, and oversees both proactive and reactive media engagement. Through this strategic and tactically hands-on work, the role will strengthen Diabetes Australia’s impact and the organisation’s position as the leading national voice on diabetes and related policy issues.

You will be responsible for:





- Developing and delivering an integrated media and communications strategy aligned to Diabetes Australia’s organisational priorities and policy agenda.
- Building the visibility of Diabetes Australia and key spokespeople including the Group CEO and Executive team.
- Identifying priority issues where Diabetes Australia should take a clear position and designing communication plans to lead the national conversation.
- Leading multi-channel public relations campaigns across traditional and social media to elevate advocacy priorities, amplify diabetes care and prevention messaging, showcase clinical excellence and research developments, and tell patient stories.
- Driving consistent, high-impact media coverage that positions Diabetes Australia as a trusted and authoritative voice on diabetes.
- Developing high-quality media and communications materials, including statements, media releases, opinion pieces, speeches, presentations, key messages, briefing materials and thought leadership content.
- Providing strategic media advice, messaging and coaching to the Group CEO and Executive team, including preparation for interviews, speeches, panels, media opportunities and public forums.
- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key media and influencers.
- Monitoring media coverage and emerging issues, providing insights, risk updates and recommendations to support timely decision-making.
- Leading crisis communications planning and preparedness and developing plans to mitigate reputation risks.




- Supporting high-level engagement with national stakeholders, peak bodies and key partners to strengthen influence, positioning, advocacy and partnership outcomes.
- Leading and developing a small team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team culture.

You will be required to have:

- Senior experience in communications, media relations, corporate/public affairs or a related discipline, ideally gained in the health sector.
- A strong track record enhancing organisational visibility and influence through integrated communications plans.
- Demonstrated experience shaping public narrative, developing organisational positions and building support across complex stakeholder groups.
- Strong media relations capability, including experience engaging directly with journalists, backgrounding media and understanding how stories originate and develop.
- Credibility as an advisor to senior executives, with sound judgement and the confidence to provide strategic communications counsel.
- Outstanding written communication skills and attention to detail, including the ability to translate complex policy and health content into clear, accurate and compelling public-facing communications.
- Exceptional stakeholder management, relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Experience leading a team, setting priorities and managing processes in a complex environment.
- A genuine commitment to the purpose and values of Diabetes Australia.

The role is Brisbane-based and offered on a full time basis. Diabetes Australia offers and supports a hybrid model, working 2-3 days in the office.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfill the requirements of the role.

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📌 Head of Media & Communications - Diabetes Australia (Brisbane City)
🏢 ReithGordon Executive Search & Recruitment
📍 Brisbane City