Communications and Media Manager

Together we are making a difference for kids living with genetic disease. 

Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) was Australia’s first dedicated paediatric research facility and is now one of the world’s most highly regarded independent medical research organisations. Our research focuses on the four key areas impacting children’s health: cancer, genomics and genetic diseases, neurobiology, and embryology. 

About the Opportunity
As Communications and Media Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of proactive public relations and strategic communications that elevate CMRI's profile, showcase world-leading research, and strengthen engagement with media and the broader community. Working closely with researchers, commercialisation and fundraising teams, you will translate complex scientific discoveries into compelling, original stories including feature content for our website, media materials and social channels that inspire support and demonstrate impact. You'll draw on an established network of media contacts to secure proactive coverage, lead our organic social media content strategy with a strong understanding of platform best practice, manage key stakeholder communications, and contribute to high-profile campaigns including Jeans for Genes. You will also be the point of contact for families involved in Jeans for Genes, including the children and parents who share their personal stories as the face of the campaign. You'll build trusting relationships with them, guide them through the media process with care, and ensure their stories are told with the respect and authenticity they deserve. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced public relations and communications professional who is passionate about storytelling, reputation building and making a meaningful contribution to children's medical research. You'll join a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work, from a media pitch to a story on our website, will help raise awareness, engage communities and support life-changing scientific discoveries.

What we're Looking For

• A strategic and creative communicator with an established network of media contacts and a track record of turning stories into coverage
• A proven campaign builder who has led PR campaigns with measurable impact from concept through to results
• A confident leader of social media content strategy who knows current best practice across platforms An outstanding relationship builder who enjoys collaborating with diverse stakeholders
• A proactive and adaptable professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Strong judgement and resilience when managing sensitive issues and competing priorities
• A highly organised team player with exceptional attention to detail
• Emotional maturity and sensitivity when working directly with families of children living with genetic diseases
• Someone who is passionate about making a meaningful impact through medical research and community engagement
  

What can you bring to this role?

• Degree qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related discipline
• At least five years' experience in communications, media relations, public relations or corporate communications
• An existing network of media contacts and a demonstrated ability to secure positive coverage
• A track record of building and delivering PR campaigns that achieved clear, measurable impact
• Experience leading social media content strategy with strong knowledge of platform best practice for organic content
• Exceptional writing, editing and content development skills across traditional and digital channels
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior leaders, researchers, donors, community representatives and external partners
• The ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into engaging content for diverse audiences
• Proficiency in digital communications, social media, and media monitoring software
• Experience working directly with vulnerable individuals or families in a media or storytelling context, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and handle sensitive personal stories with care, highly regarded

Want to know more about CMRI? https://www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au/

Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-medical-research-institute/

We kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

The Children’s Medical Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing our people. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we embrace diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from those who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.