Head of Communications and Brand
- Melbourne, VIC
- Permanent
- Full-time
Head of Communications and Brand
Fixed-term parental leave cover reporting into the Chief Executive Officer.The Head of Communications and Brand is responsible for strengthening and protecting the reputation of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, ensuring its brand inspires trust, engagement, and philanthropic support. Leading a talented Communications team, this role drives the strategy and storytelling that connect donors and partners to our vision. With oversight of brand, risk, and reputation management, the Head of Communications and Brand partners across the organisation and with external stakeholders to deliver clear, consistent messaging and confidently navigate challenges. Through strategic planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement, this role ensures communications make a measurable impact in advancing the Foundation's mission and values.The key components of the role are:
- Lead the development and delivery of strategic communications and brand management to enhance visibility, reputation, and philanthropic support.
- Provide leadership to a high-performing Communications team that contributes to the Foundation's organisational development.
- Oversee operational excellence within the Communications team and deliver strategic support to fundraising initiatives that drive growth.
Contact Number: 03 8559 6774
Email: Kristi-Lyn.Charter@petermac.orgApplications close: 11:59PM Thursday 11th September 2025Position SummaryThe Head of Communications and Brand leads the enhancement of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation's brand, overseeing the development and execution of communication strategies that inspire philanthropic support. They manage the Communications team to deliver best-practice communications aligned with the Foundation's mission and values.Responsible for brand, risk, and reputation management, the Head of Communications and Brand works closely with key stakeholders across the organisation and external partners to ensure consistent messaging, protect the organisation's image, and effectively navigate challenges while fostering trust and engagement. This role also drives strategic planning and evaluates communication outcomes to continuously strengthen the Foundation's impact.Enterprise AgreementHealth and Allied Services, Managers and Administrative Workers (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2021-2025Classification or Salary RangeHS4Immunisation Risk CategoryImmunisation Category CKey RelationshipsInternal
- Chief Executive Officer
- Head of Fundraising
- Head of Philanthropy
- Head of Finance & Operations
- Communications Manager
- Foundation program managers
- All Foundation team members
- Peter Mac staff
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Communications Team
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre staff
- External service providers
- Donors
- General public and supporters
- Peter Mac patients
- Degree in communications, journalism, marketing or similar
- Minimum ten years' experience in a communications/marketing role
- Demonstrated management experience of a multidisciplinary team
- Extensive experience working across a range of communications with a range of stakeholders, preferably in the not-for-profit or fundraising sector
- Demonstrated experience of brand management
- Experience managing reputational risks and handling sensitive communications issues
- Proven experience leading the development and implementation of communications, digital and brand strategies
- Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills
- Applies strategic thinking
- Demonstrated project management skills
- Understanding of digital communications
- Able to manage multiple issues and projects simultaneously
- Adaptable in responding to changing priorities
- Work collaboratively and build effective relationships
- Displays initiative with an innovative and creative approach to problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Good negotiation skills
- Good time management skills
- Experience writing speeches
1. Strategic Communications and Brand Management
- Lead the development and delivery of communication strategies and tactics to support fundraising initiatives and raise the Foundation's profile.
- Take responsibility for brand, risk, and reputation management.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a Foundation-wide digital strategy to support fundraising engagement. Aiding in the cultivation of new and existing donors and event participants through inspiring content and digital communications.
- Manage key relationships with brand partners critical to strategic objectives.
- Oversee high-quality, best practice communications across all mediums.
- Manage media issues and briefing the CEO on media and speaking opportunities.
- Develop and implement the Communications Operating Plan
- Manage the Communications team, guiding professional development and ensuring successful delivery of outcomes aligned to the Communications Operating Plan.
- Serve as a member of the organisation's Executive team, providing leadership, advice, expertise, and contributing to strategic decision-making.
- Contribute to the overall advancement of the organisation.
- Oversee the annual communications budget preparation and monitoring.
- Oversee management of all communications tools and channels, including digital platforms.
- Provide professional communications and marketing advice and support as required.
- Take a prominent role in leading collaboration efforts across the organisation
4. Lead communications excellence, content development and delivery
- Work closely with the Head of Fundraising and fundraising leadership to align communications strategies with fundraising initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Peter Mac Communications department to ensure cohesive messaging and interconnected visual brand identity.
- Produce and oversee creation of content, including copywriting, editing, creative briefing, art direction, speech writing, and presentations.
- Promote understanding of fundraising and philanthropy importance within and outside the organisation, increasing visibility of the Foundation's impact.
- Lead the consistent delivery of clear, compelling, and aligned messaging that strengthens organisational culture internally and enhances brand reputation externally.
- Understands and complies with all relevant legislation and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation policies, procedures and legislative requirements.
- Attends, participates and contributes to relevant professional development and training opportunities
- Support the fundraising team during functions or events if/when required.
- All relevant supplier due diligence checks completed and actioned.
- Undertake other duties, which are appropriate to the level of the position.
- Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
- Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
- We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.