The Director of Communications will oversee and execute communications strategies across owned and earned channels to enhance Macquarie University’s brand, reputation and performance domestically and internationally. These strategies will encompass internal and external communications activities at the University-wide level, as well as across the Faculty and Portfolio Office levels. The role oversees a team whose functions include media management and engagement, media monitoring and performance reporting, issues management, social media and staff and student communications.
The role reports to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer but has a key direct working relationship with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (People and Operations) and other members of the Executive Group. The purpose of these relationships is to ensure communications are timely and effectively support the University’s strategic objectives in a dynamic environment within the University and in the higher education sector. This role will engage collaboratively with a range of critical stakeholders to oversee message definition and the curation of the Macquarie University story, utilising audience analysis, knowledge of the media landscape and other data-driven insights.
This is an exciting opportunity at an extraordinary time in higher education and in a University on the rise. The successful candidate will be a seasoned communications specialist able to manage a large team of professionals with direct access to the key leaders and decision makers at the University. The kind of experience which will serve candidates in good stead will be a combination of journalism/editor experience, as well as corporate or government communications and demonstrated experience as an effective and inspiring people leader. You will have a significant network of media contacts, ability to engage with senior executives, and success in proactively and strategically generating earned media coverage, as well as managing media issues. Content knowledge in a regulated industry or knowledge of the education sector would also be desirable. In addition, you will have:
- degree qualification and extensive experience in communications or other relevant field.
- experience with media relations, digital and social media, and internal communications.
- experience working in a matrix organisational structure.
- demonstrated ability to build and manage effective relationships and influence across a complex network of stakeholders, including senior executives.
- experience in managing reputation across a range of stakeholders and communities.
- a strong and successful track record in designing and implementing successful communication strategies, plans and campaigns.
- demonstrated ability to operate professionally in a senior executive context.
*This position requires qualification and criminal history checks.
Application Closes: Friday 10 January 2025, 11.59pm
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition on 0412 043 992 or sarah.bate@mq.edu.au
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close: 10/01/2025 11:59 PM
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Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.
We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion. See our journey towards leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education.
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