Head of Communications and Public Relations

NextSense

  • Australia
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 27 days ago
Our Purpose and AmbitionNextSense is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people with vision or hearing loss across Australia. We work with children, adults, and their families, providing a holistic approach to hearing services for newborns through to people over 90 years old, and helping children who are blind or have low vision to develop the right skills, mobility, and independence to confidently explore their world.NextSense has been breaking boundaries since 1860, and we've been expanding our services ever since. Today, we deliver world-class education (both to children with sensory loss and to professionals in the field), cochlear implants, allied health services, therapy, research, and clinical services to children and adults. We're a registered NDIS provider, working with our clients to achieve their own goals and potential.We're committed to research and innovation; harnessing the latest technologies and new ways of thinking and educating the next generation to lead the way in hearing and vision services.Our new world-leading centre for innovation on-site at Macquarie University NSW represents a new era for hearing and vision loss. This nationally significant social infrastructure project was undertaken to nurture, trial and share new ideas and form new partnerships that will drive better outcomes for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision. While the centre is based in Macquarie, its impact will extend across the country to all our sites.Job DescriptionThe RoleReporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Head of Communications and Public Relations is responsible for co-leading and delivering an integrated communications and public relations strategy that supports the purpose, services, and strategic priorities of NextSense. This includes internal and external communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and change communications across the organisation.This role plays a key part in positioning NextSense as a trusted national leader and thought leader in the areas of hearing and vision loss, as well as within the broader disability, health, and education sectors.The Head of Communications and Public Relations will work collaboratively with all departments to drive consistent and inclusive messaging, promote positive public and stakeholder engagement, and enhance the organisation's visibility and reputation. They will also provide strategic communications support for organisational transformation and change initiatives.Leading a small, skilled team, the Head of Communications and Public Relations will play a key role in shaping the voice of the organisation, ensure high standards in content and message development, manage media relations and issues communications, and work with internal and external partners to support NextSense's strategic direction.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive organisational communications and public relations strategy across multiple platforms and audiences.
  • Lead proactive and responsive media relations, including media strategy development, spokesperson preparation, media briefings, and issues management.
  • Provide strategic communications advice and planning for organisational transformation and change initiatives.
  • Develop and guide messaging and content to support internal and external stakeholder engagement.
  • Shape and uphold the NextSense brand tone of voice across all communications, providing guidance and support to internal teams as needed.
  • Support and guide brand consistency through content development.
  • Create and implement effective communication plans for crisis and issues management.
  • Manage and mentor the communications and public relations team members, ensuring delivery of high-quality, timely outputs.
  • Oversee the use and evolution of communications platforms, tools, and channels.
  • Manage relationships with external communications and PR agencies.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant standards for publishing content relating to children and adults with sensory disability.
  • Monitor and evaluate communications outcomes, reporting on impact and making continuous improvements.
  • Prepare speeches, presentations, and media releases for senior executives, as needed.
  • Co-lead budget planning and management for the communications and PR function.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
What we can offer you
  • Competitive remuneration
  • 100% salary packaging allowing you to increase your take home pay
  • Extensive personal/carer's leave
  • 2 weeks paid leave over Christmas in addition to 4 weeks annual leave
  • Paid parental leave of 14 weeks for primary carer and 6 weeks for secondary carer
  • Access to industry leading education and professional development
  • Collaborative work environment
  • Wellbeing program including Employee Assistance Program
Desired Skills and ExperienceTo be successful in this role you'll need to demonstrate you meet the following selection criteria.Required qualifications, skills or experience:
  • Bachelor of Communications, public relations, journalism or relevant equivalent undergraduate or postgraduate qualification(s).
  • Senior-level experience in communications and public relations, including strategic planning and execution across complex organisations.
  • Demonstrated experience in media relations, issues management, and acting as a trusted spokesperson or media advisor.
  • Strong understanding of change communication principles and experience applying them in organisational transformation projects.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills across a range of formats and audiences.
  • Skilled at translating complex, sensitive, or technical information into clear and accessible communications.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
  • Experienced in leading teams, managing competing priorities, and delivering outcomes in deadline-driven environments.
  • Competence with digital platforms, including social media and content management systems.
  • You are obliged to become familiar with, and comply with child protection policies and legislation, as amended from time to time.
  • a verified Working With Children Check, Criminal Record Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check
Preferred qualifications, skills or experience:
  • Knowledge of the disability, health, or education sectors (or demonstrated ability to quickly gain it).
  • Understanding of and sensitivity to issues affecting children and adults with disabilities.
  • Experience using a variety of marketing software platforms (e.g., MailChimp, Campaign Monitor, etc.) to manage and execute communication campaigns.
  • Experience with SharePoint is desirable.
To download the Position Description, please click on the following link:We're here to help. If you have any further questions, please reach out to out to our People & Culture Team at peopleandculture@nextsense.org.au. Good luck!NextSense is a child safe organisation, candidate compliance with child protection legislation is essential.

NextSense