Manager, Communications and Engagement

Help drive lasting change for women and gender diverse people in Melbourne's east

Women's Health East is entering an exciting new chapter.

With a bold new strategy, we're strengthening our voice, expanding our impact and working alongside partners to drive lasting change by creating healthier, safer and more equitable communities where women and gender diverse people can thrive.

We're looking for an experienced, values-led leader to join our Executive Leadership Group as our Manager, Communications & Engagement.

This is an opportunity to lead talented teams with impact, shape conversations, build powerful partnerships and tell the stories that inspire action. You'll help position Women's Health East as a trusted leader in women's health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence, using the power of communications, advocacy and partnerships to create meaningful impact.

If you're motivated by purpose, thrive on strategic thinking and enjoy turning ideas into influence, we'd love to hear from you.

About Women's Health East

Women's Health East (WHE) is the leading organisation advancing women's health and gender equality across Melbourne's east.

We work alongside communities, health services, government and community organisations to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for women and gender diverse people, prevent gender-based violence and address the social determinants of health. Guided by feminist principles, we amplify women's voices, champion gender equity, influence policy and systems and build the capacity of others to create more equitable communities.

About the role 

Reporting directly to the CEO, this newly created executive leadership role provides strategic leadership to Women’s Health East’s advocacy, communications and gender equality initiatives.

You'll lead how Women's Health East engages with funders, partners, communities and the media, ensuring our advocacy is influential, our communications are compelling and our brand reflects our commitment to improving the lives of women and gender diverse people.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Group, you'll contribute to organisational strategy, culture and decision-making, helping shape the future direction of Women's Health East.

This position is offered on a full-time basis, however applications from candidates seeking 0.8–0.9 FTE will also be considered.

What you'll do 

In this role you'll:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, collaborative and values-led team.
• Develop and deliver advocacy and communications strategies that influence policy, practice and systems change.
• Build strong relationships with government, health services, community organisations and sector partners.
• Lead Women's Health East's brand, media, digital communications and public profile.
• Provide strategic communications advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Group and Board.
• Oversee our primary prevention and gender equality portfolio, including strategic partnerships and fee-for-service initiatives.
• Represent Women's Health East in influential networks, partnerships and forums, including the Together for Equality and Respect (TFER) Executive Governance Group.
• Contribute to organisational leadership, governance, planning and continuous improvement.

About you 

You're an experienced and collaborative leader who enjoys bringing people together around a shared purpose. 

You'll bring:

• Experience leading communications, advocacy, gender equality, public health or related portfolios.
• Strong people leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to empower and develop teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience influencing decision-makers and navigating complex policy or organisational environments.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication and project leadership capabilities.

• A tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience in communications, public health, gender equality, community development, advocacy, or a related field.

Experience working within women's health, gender equality, public health, community or government sectors will be highly regarded.

Why work for Women's Health East

At Women's Health East you'll join a passionate, supportive and purpose-driven team committed to creating healthier, more equitable communities.

We offer:

• A genuinely meaningful role with the opportunity to influence lasting change.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• A positive, collaborative and values-driven workplace culture.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Special leave provisions.
• Employee Assistance Program access.
• Salary packaging, including up to $15,899 of your salary each year plus meal entertainment and holiday accommodation benefits.

Women's Health East is a pro-choice feminist organisation committed to creating an inclusive, culturally safe and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. 

More information about our work is available at www.whe.org.au.

Diversity and inclusion

Women's Health East is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and culturally safe workplace that reflects the communities we work alongside. 

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTIQA+ women, including trans women and gender diverse people. 

Women's Health East has an exemption under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ only people who identify as women (EO Exemption H294/2022).

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Kate on 0418 136 107.

A National Police Check and Working with Children Check (or the ability to obtain them) are required for this role. Some travel across Melbourne's east is required.

A position description is attached.