Join a collaborative team where your words, judgement and strategic thinking can help shape important conversations across the health system.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time Until September 2027
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 2
Remuneration: $118,821 - $140,201 Per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Location: Newcastle or Tamworth
Requisition ID: REQ685984
Applications Close: Wednesday, 9th September 2026

Where you'll be working:
You’ll be joining the Strategic Relations and Communication unit – a dynamic 14‑person team that plays a key role in supporting the District’s services and senior leadership. Our unit is responsible for delivering high‑quality, timely written material and strategic advice across ministerial and government activity, reputation and issues management, and consumer feedback and complaint handling. We play a central role in the District’s communication and stakeholder engagement efforts, shaping how key health issues are understood and addressed across the system.

This role can be based in Newcastle or Tamworth / New England North West region, and is primarily on-site.

We’re a collaborative, supportive and highly engaged team that values curiosity, initiative and strong relationships. The work is fast‑paced but rewarding. We work closely with senior leaders, clinical staff and colleagues across the District and wider health system, supported by teammates who actively share knowledge and experience. We pride ourselves on being a group that approaches complex challenges with professionalism, transparency, and commitment to improving outcomes for our community.

About the role:
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys understanding complex issues, working with senior leaders, and shaping clear, strategic messages that support public health outcomes. In this role, you’ll research and analyse key issues across Hunter New England Local Health District, translating that information into accurate, engaging and impactful written material. This includes ministerial briefs, parliamentary notes, correspondence for senior executives, and responses for consumers, community members and other agencies.

You’ll work closely with clinical teams, senior leaders and colleagues across the wider NSW Health system to ensure our advice and communication is aligned, timely and supports the District’s strategic priorities. The work combines research, writing, stakeholder engagement, and administrative support, with plenty of opportunities to learn and develop your skills.

The role is Monday to Friday, with occasional, supported travel.



While self-direction and initiative are essential, you’ll be part of a highly collaborative and supportive team that works closely together to share knowledge. Strong relationships and effective communication are at the heart of what we do.

About you:
You’re someone who enjoys making complex information clear, and you take pride in producing high‑quality written work, and you can balance strong opinions or competing priorities while keeping messages aligned with organisational priorities. We’re looking for someone who brings:

- Exceptional writing skills - crafting transparent, compassionate and accurate content for diverse audiences, including consumers, community members and government stakeholders.
- Strong collaboration and communication – working well with others, and using your written and verbal communication skills to guide conversations and shape messages constructively.
- Critical thinking and sound judgement – assessing information quickly, identifying what matters, and bringing strategic insight to issues that may be complex or sensitive.
- Confidence managing multiple deadlines – being organised, juggling competing priorities, and maintaining accuracy under pressure.
- An interest in public health, policy and government processes, and how they contribute to community outcomes.

Requirements:

- Undergraduate degree or extensive demonstrated experience in communications, public affairs, government relations, policy or related fields.

How you'll be supported:
We value innovation, teamwork, and a proactive approach to addressing complex challenges, and work closely with our senior managers and Executives, the NSW Ministry of Health and health services.

This role reports directly to the Strategic Relations Manager, and enjoys a comprehensive benefits package including salary packaging, educational opportunities, and a supportive network, including extensive orientation and organisational training provided by HETI, as well as regular in-team development opportunities.

What we can offer you:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:





- Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
- Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional information:

- An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
- To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
- We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Robbie Macaulay on ***************@health.nsw.gov.au

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category B position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category B positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact ***************@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.

📌 Strategic Relations Advisor (Hunter Region)
🏢 NSW Health
📍 Hunter Region