Our Client

Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC) is a not-for-profit Cooperative Research Centre and Australia's largest research and development hub dedicated to producing new and sustainable products from the marine environment. Based in Adelaide, it brings together a national network of partners from academia, industry and government.

Supported by a $59 million Australian Government grant and partner co-investment, MBCRC anticipates deploying up to $270 million in cash and in-kind resources over 10 years. It funds collaborative research and product development, building pathways from marine discovery to markets in areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, aquaculture and biomaterials, and supports the training of industry-ready graduates.

The Communications Director is a senior, hands-on leadership role reporting to the CEO, responsible for how MBCRC is understood by its industry, research and government partners.

The Role

Your duties will include:

- Develop, deliver and evaluate an integrated communications strategy and annual plan aligned with MBCRC's priorities, audiences and measures of success.
- Ensure MBCRC’s compliance with the CRC Program’s quarterly and annual reporting requirements
- Advise the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on organisational positioning, opportunities and reputational risk
- Lead high-quality corporate content, including the Annual Report, newsletters, capability materials, presentations, speeches and major publications
- Translate complex scientific and technical research into clear, engaging content for specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Lead media and public relations, website, email and social media activity, while protecting MBCRC's brand and visual identity
- Work with Partnerships & Engagement to support coordinated communications with industry, research and government partners, and appropriately profile partner contributions and outcomes
- Lead the organisation of Marine BioConnect, MBCRC's annual conference,



and support communications for the Annual General Meeting and other priority events
- Prepare briefs, talking points and key messages for the CEO, Board and senior leaders
- Manage the communications budget and external suppliers, and report on communications performance to the CEO and Board

About You

- Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent senior experience
- Substantial strategic and operational corporate communications experience, preferably in a scientific research and innovation environment, such as a Cooperative Research Centre.
- Demonstrated ability to develop integrated communications strategies, advise senior leaders and prepare high-quality executive, Board and public-facing communications
- Strong experience in research communication, media relations, digital communications, editing, brand management, corporate publications, budgets and suppliers
- Exceptional written, editorial and verbal communication skills, with sound judgement and attention to detail
- A strategic and creative thinker with a practical, hands-on approach
- The ability to build trusted relationships with executives, researchers, partners, government, media and suppliers

In Return

- Role based in brand current offices on Greenhill Road in Eastwood
- A senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, with a seat on the Senior Leadership Team
- The opportunity to shape the national profile of an emerging marine bioproducts industry
- Established foundations to build on, including a national conference, newsletter and Annual Report
- Broad exposure to industry, research and government partners
- A collaborative environment within a national CRC
- Salary packaging, car parking and a phone allowance
- Please Note – This position will be offered on a fixed term contract basis until 30 June 2031

Next Steps

If you're interested in the position on offer, please apply using the relevant links. If you have any specific questions regarding the role email Nikita Bheem – ••••@ppsconsulting.com.au.

Applications close Wednesday 11th November at 5.00pm.

📌 Communications Director (Eastwood)
🏢 Perks People Solutions
📍 Eastwood