The Director, Communications & Public Affairs is accountable for leading the CDC’s communication function and strengthening public understanding of, and trust and confidence in, its role in protecting Australian’s health. The position will lead a proactive, strategic and outward-facing approach to communications, building the profile of the CDC and its leaders and positioning the organisation as a trusted, authoritative and accessible voice on public health.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior communication leader with substantial experience directing strategic communication, media or public affairs functions in complex, high-profile and rapidly changing environments. They will bring the strategic judgement, qualified credibility and accountability required to advise senior decision-makers and lead an integrated communication function.

The Director will lead the implementation and evaluation of the CDC Communication Strategy, translating organisational and government priorities into coordinated delivery plans, compelling public narratives and measurable outcomes. The remit encompasses strategic communication, media and public information, digital and social channels, brand and storytelling, stakeholder and community engagement, and emergency and surge communications.





The role will advise the Director-General and executive leadership on complex and sensitive matters, strengthen their external profile and visibility, anticipate emerging issues and opportunities, manage communication and reputational risks, and ensure public advice is timely, accurate, accessible and evidence-informed.

The role will build influential relationships across governments, health services, research institutions, professional bodies, community organisations and trusted voice and spokesperson networks. It will also build and shape the communications function and capability the CDC needs as it matures, leading a multidisciplinary team, establishing clear governance and workflows, and maintaining the capability to mobilise rapidly during public health incidents and national emergencies.

It is a requirement for anyone who is employed by the CDC to be an Australian citizen.

The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance.

Apply by 11:30 pm AEDT on 2 December 2026.

Applicants are asked to quote reference number 26CDC-SEB-10181​ to assist when making an enquiry.

📌 Director, Communications & Public Affairs (Australia)
🏢 Australian Centre for Disease Control
📍 Australia