Senior Media And Communications Advisor

Description:

The Senior Media and Communications Advisor is responsible for developing and implementing media and communications campaigns to promote WEHI and build a community of engaged supporters, by increasing awareness of its brand and support for its research and strategic initiatives.

This dynamic and hands-on role develops and oversees the production of high-quality content that aligns with institute objectives and supports business functions including scientific divisions, professional services, business development, and fundraising.

The role requires an experienced and trusted media advisor with a strong news sense who can identify media and social media opportunities, as well as risks, within a complex research environment.

The Senior Media and Communications Advisor protects and preserves the institute’s reputation, and efficiently and creatively manages the Institute’s media outreach and publications, and associated communications activities.

The role proactively builds and maintains strong relationships with key media and provides high-level strategic communications advice to institute leaders and staff to promote the Institute and protect its reputation.

As a senior role within a small team, you will model a strong commitment to quality and consistently deliver accurate and engaging content.

Using your knowledge of the institute’s strategic priorities, the media landscape and effective storytelling you will advise researchers and leaders on effective strategies for reaching target audiences and maximising impact.

You will understand the importance of tracking the outcomes of media engagement for researchers and contribute to capturing qualitative and quantitative impact of communications strategies as part of the broader team’s reporting activities.

In consultation with the Senior Manager, External Communications, you will develop and implement innovative media and communications strategies for external and internal audiences. The role will also identify, develop, manage and exploit new communication opportunities for the benefit of the institute.

Selection Criteria

Personal Qualities:

• Proven ability to work with limited guidance and exercise sound judgement on complex issues.

• Demonstrated ability to negotiate with and advise people at all levels, and influencing leadership thinking in strategic communications.

• Proven capacity to develop and maintain trusted and effective working relationships within and outside an organisation to help achieve business outcomes.

Essential Knowledge and Skills:

• A well-developed news sense, risk radar and understanding of the media landscape.

• Outstanding interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills coupled with ability to be able to operate independently at high levels and to influence outcomes.

• Outstanding professional writing and editing skills, including writing for multiple audiences in various formats including media, website and social media.

• Proven ability to translate complex scientific findings and research into compelling and accessible language.

• Ability to develop a broad network of media contacts in health, science and education media.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

• A tertiary qualification in journalism, public relations, communications, science communication or a related discipline or equivalent experience.

• Significant experience in a media relations, journalism or public relations role.

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 products.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• A tertiary qualification in science or a substantial background in biomedical research promotion or a related area.

• Experience in using Monday.com or similar project management platforms.