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Communications Manager - Influence and Reputation Focus

Job No: FLOREY273
Location: Parkville and Heidelberg

  • $126,238 to $131,344 per annum + up to 17% Superannuation
  • Salary packaging of up to $18,500 p.a.
  • Full-time, Ongoing
  • Additional leave days

About The Role
Drive The Florey's external reputation as our Influence & Reputation focused Communications Manager. You'll craft compelling narratives that position our research in national conversations, build media relationships, and ensure our discoveries reach the audiences that matter most. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and strategic communications, translating complex neuroscience research into stories that inspire, inform, and influence.


What You'll Do

Media Relations & Public Affairs

  • Lead proactive media strategy: write press releases, pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage journalist relationships
  • Develop thought leadership content and op-eds that position Florey researchers in policy and public debates
  • Monitor media coverage and manage reputation risks and opportunities
  • Coordinate media training and interview preparation for researchers and spokespeople

Strategic Communications & Content

  • Create compelling content for external audiences: donors, government, research partners, and the public
  • Partner with People & Culture Communications Manager to ensure message consistency across all channels
  • Support major announcements, research breakthroughs, and institutional milestones
  • Develop crisis communications materials and lead issues management responses

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build relationships with key influencers across health, science, policy, and research sectors
  • Support government relations activities and policy submissions
  • Coordinate speaking opportunities and award submissions for senior researchers
  • Manage external event and partnership communications 


What You Bring
Essential

  • 4-6 years’ experience in media relations, public relations, or external communications
  • Strong network of media contacts, particularly in health, science, or research sectors
  • Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and issues management
  • Exceptional writing skills with ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences
  • Understanding of Australian media landscape and news cycles 

Highly Desirable

  • Science communications background or strong understanding of research environment
  • Experience with government relations or policy communications
  • Knowledge of philanthropy communications and donor engagement
  • Experience managing external events or speaking programs

How to Apply

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with a Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience and your Resume. Please note that you are not required to respond to the criteria in the Position Description.

Applications are to be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 16 October 2025. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. The preferred applicant for this job will be asked to consent to a police check.

Working at the Florey:

With a 50-year history, the Florey is the largest brain research centre in the Southern Hemisphere, with teams of researchers dedicated to building knowledge on a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.  https://florey.edu.au/our-research/impact/

Our reputation for innovative research and our position as the leading brain research institute in the Southern Hemisphere attracts the best and brightest.

The Florey is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

We also provide flexible leave entitlements including purchased leave, gender affirmation leave, ceremonial leave along with additional non-gazetted Florey holidays.

Learn more about working at the Florey at https://florey.edu.au/careers-and-study/working-at-the-florey/

For enquiries, please contact our People and Culture Team on employment@florey.edu.au.

 

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About Us

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is a medical research institute specialising in the brain and mind and is one of the world’s top 10 brain research centres. We employ exceptionally talented people who work to solve the greatest brain and mind challenges of our era. Our staff and students are the bedrock of our research and success, and we strive for excellence by fostering partnerships and empowering people. At the Florey our mission-driven culture enables our people to collaborate, thrive, learn, make ground breaking discoveries and advance humanity through brain and mind science.