Strategic Communications Lead

Curtin University

Bentley, Perth, WA

Marketing Communications (Marketing & Communications)

Other (Education & Training)

Full time

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About the role:

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic communications expert to join our dynamic Corporate Communications team in the newly created role of Strategic Communications Lead.

This is a senior-level position designed for someone who thrives on complexity, loves driving strategy, and has a passion for clear, creative, and impactful communications.

In this role, you’ll lead communications campaigns across key areas to support change, drive engagement, and make a difference to thousands of staff and students. From major initiatives to day-to-day updates, your work will keep our campus connected and informed.

This is a hands-on role with real influence. You’ll advise, write, mentor, and collaborate—plus work alongside the director and deputy director on crisis comms, media strategy, and senior-level engagement.

If you care deeply about great communication and want to help bring people with you through change—this is your opportunity.

In this role, you will:

Lead the design and delivery of high-impact internal communications strategies across diverse portfolios.

Develop and manage responsive, audience-focused communications plans aligned with University’s values and strategic priorities

Mentor and manage staff, supporting professional development and a strong team culture.

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, anticipate needs, and recommend strategic options for future communication service delivery.

Provide trusted, executive-level advice on communications approaches, risks, and issues management.

Support the director and deputy director in developing and executing issues management and crisis communication strategies.

Supervise and mentor communications staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development.

Represent internal communications at senior-level meetings and cross-functional committees, advocating for effective engagement strategies.

Monitor feedback, evaluate impact, and drive continuous improvement of internal communication activities, policies, and procedures.

Take on additional responsibilities as required to support the university’s broader communications and engagement goals.

Who we are looking for (selection criteria):

You are a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with a proven ability to lead large, complex internal communications initiatives. Your experience spans multiple stakeholder groups, and you thrive in dynamic environments. You bring vision, leadership, and a passion for building meaningful engagement.

In particular, you will have:

Extensive experience in communications and engagement in a large, complex environment, ideally in the higher education sector.

Proven leadership capabilities, including managing staff.

A strong background in issues management and navigating reputational risk (critical incident experience highly advantageous).

A demonstrated understanding of the link between internal and external communications.

Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across platforms and formats.

Proven stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and advise at the executive level.

The ability to manage multiple priorities with sound judgment and resilience.

A collaborative, calm, and team-oriented approach.

Relevant qualifications or experience in communications, public relations, media, or similar.

Role Requirements:

As this is a continuing (permanent) role, you will require permanent work rights in Australia to be considered

Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Your new team:

Curtin University’s Corporate Communications portfolio manages the university’s reputation through strategic internal and external communications, media relations, issues management, and executive messaging—ensuring consistent, clear, and timely communications aligned with Curtin’s values and goals.

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page: https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical center, bus station, accessible parking, and endless food options, including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and an array of discounts for retail, travel, and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page!

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW, ensuring to attach the following documents:

Up to date resume

Cover letter outlining your interest and experience, and addressing the selection criteria (no more than two pages)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, quote the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Monday 19 May 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardized time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

Our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000