Position Number: 0058539
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Department: Advancement, Communications and Marketing
Salary: UoM 8 - $119,742 - $129,607 p.a. plus 17% super
- Shape institutional reputation / Engage with diverse stakeholders / Influence global academic narrative
- Apply now to lead strategic communications and protect the University's reputation on a global stage
- Investing in you - benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
In line with the 2024 Enterprise Agreement clause 1.15.5 & 1.15.6.2, the University is committed to growing the number of Continuing jobs, and to increase the proportion of Continuing employment FTE in comparison to Fixed-Term or Casual employment. As part of this shared objective, all continuing vacancies will be advertised internally for a minimum of five working days to allow for current staff at the University to apply and be considered - ahead of external recruitment.
The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.
Your next career opportunity
As a Senior Media and Public Affairs Advisor, you'll play a crucial role in enhancing and protecting the University of Melbourne's reputation. You'll develop and execute external communications strategies, manage sensitive issues, and foster relationships with key media partners both domestically and internationally. This role offers you the opportunity to shape the narrative of a leading academic institution, working on high-impact projects that advance the University's strategic priorities.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Develop and Execute Media Strategies: Create and implement proactive and reactive media plans to promote the University's strategic priorities and manage reputational risks.
- Provide Expert Communication Counsel: Offer specialist media relations advice to stakeholders across the University, from crisis communications to opportunity maximisation.
- Build and Maintain Key Relationships: Foster connections with journalists, media outlets, and industry partners in Australia and strategic international markets.
- Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with the Strategic Communications team to align messaging, mitigate risks, and leverage opportunities across multiple channels.
You may be a great fit if:
You are an experienced media professional with a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
You may also:
- Have a tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, or a related field, with postgraduate studies preferred.
- Possess 5-7 years of media and communications experience, including crisis management.
- Demonstrate strong writing skills for various media formats and audiences.
- Excel in building relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Thrive in a dynamic environment, able to make complex decisions with high-level expertise and judgement.
- Have experience in delivering strategic activities within large, complex organisations.
For further information please refer to the attached PD.
What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team – Advancement, Communications and Marketing
The Vice-President (Advancement, Communications and Marketing) leads the Advancement, Communications and Marketing team. Advancement works with colleagues across the University and its affiliates to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni, friends and benefactors. Communications and Marketing formulates and leads strategies in support of the University of Melbourne’s overarching strategic plan, Advancing Melbourne.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.
The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Kim Groizard +61 3 9035 3218 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring
If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at oied-hr@unimelb.edu.au.
Working at the University – what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.
Join Us and unlock your career potential!
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Ivanka Yan via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.
Position Description
