Media and Communications Lead

Media and Communications Lead

• Lead media engagement for an iconic and purpose-driven organisation making a real difference across Western Australia.
• Identify and drive thought leadership opportunities that position RFDS WA as a trusted voice in regional and remote health care.
• Support reputation management and issues preparedness initiatives that strengthen community trust and support.
• Work closely with senior leaders to shape key messaging and communications.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations (RFDS WO) is seeking an experienced Media and Communications Lead to drive impactful communications that strengthen our brand, reputation and stakeholder engagement across Western Australia.

About the role 

The Media and Communications Lead is responsible for leading media engagement and other strategic communication activities that strengthen RFDS WA’s reputation.  The role is the primary contact for media enquiries and delivers compelling content across traditional and digital channels, helping to tell the RFDS story and showcase the impact of our services.

Working closely with the Communications and Marketing Manager, this role plays a key part in delivering corporate and strategic communication activities that enhance advocacy and strengthens the RFDS’s position as a leader in regional health care in WA.  

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement activities, including preparing media statements, briefing materials, and responses to media enquiries.
• Develop and deliver high-quality, strategic content across a range of channels including websites, newsletters, speeches, presentations, corporate publications, and multimedia assets.
• Work with the Communications and Marketing Manager to develop and implement thought leadership strategies that strengthen RFDS WA’s profile, influence and reputation.
• Provide media training and coaching to key stakeholders to build confidence and capability in media engagement.
• Monitor and analyse media performance, providing insights and reporting to inform strategy and improve communications outcomes.
• Develop and maintain key corporate publications and organisational documents that support the RFDS brand and strategic objectives.

What your average day might look like in this role

• To start the day, you'll get in touch a former patient who’s keen to share their retrieval story for our upcoming campaign. You’ll build a rapport, help them feel comfortable to share their experience and assess if they would be suitable for media, photo or video content to showcase the impact of our service and inspire support from our donors.
• Next, you’ll prepare key messages and speaking notes for our CEO ahead of a media interview to announce the arrival of a new aircraft and recognise the contribution of a new corporate partner.
• Across the day you’ll review media coverage and monitor current and emerging issues, identifying opportunities to proactively promote the RFDS's impact across regional and remote WA or responding to issues that could affect our reputation.
• In the afternoon, you'll work on a thought leadership initiative, developing a speech and presentation for a senior member of the team. This forms part of a broader strategy designed to position the RFDS as a leader in aeromedical services and regional health care.
• Throughout the day you'll collaborate with colleagues across the organisation. Building trusted relationships, providing communications advice and managing competing priorities are all part of this role.
• To finish the day, you’ll prepare a response to a media enquiry about an unexpected operational issue. You'll work closely with leaders and subject matter experts across the RFDS to gather the facts, develop key messages and seek approvals.  

About you 

• Proven experience in media, corporate communications and crisis and reputation management, ideally within a medium to large, complex organisation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling content for a range of audiences and platforms.
• Strong media relations experience including managing enquiries, crafting key messages and identifying proactive publicity opportunities.
• Skilled at managing sensitive issues and providing strategic communications advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet competing deadlines.
• A collaborative relationship-builder who can confidently engage with senior leaders, journalists and external stakeholders while maintaining high editorial and brand standards.

About us

The Royal Flying Doctor Service WA (RFDS WA) supports more than 20,000 patients each year across the largest health jurisdiction in the world. From bases in Perth, Broome, Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie and Meekatharra, our dedicated teams deliver emergency care, primary health and industrial services through world-class aviation, clinical and support systems. Our strategy focuses on workforce capability, safety leadership and expanding access to care for those who need it most.

Benefits

• Salary packaging - up to $15,900 per annum for everyday expenses and up to $2,650 per annum on meals and entertainment expenses
• Novated Lease options 
• Purpose-led workplace culture of teamwork and collaboration

Apply now

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience.

Closing Date: Sunday, 06 September 2026

This position is open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At RFDS WA, we are committed to ensuring inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute. We welcome people from all backgrounds including people of diverse cultures, abilities, gender and sexual identities, beliefs, and those with family or caring responsibilities.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know, as we are committed to ensuring an equitable and accessible experience for all.