Director, Communications and Media

NACCHO; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NACCHO, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, seeks a dynamic Director of Communications in Canberra to lead strategic communications, media and public affairs, supporting advocacy and organisational reputation.

You will shape messaging, oversee branding and digital content, manage senior stakeholder engagement, and mentor the team to deliver high‑quality materials that advance NACCHO’s priorities across the Aboriginal health sector.

Qualifications

• Experience providing high‑level communications advice to senior leadership.
• Ability to develop integrated communication strategies across channels.
• Experience managing risks, issues and projects in dynamic environments.
• WWVP clearance and National Police check or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications advice aligning messaging with priorities and reputation.
• Lead media and public affairs, including media opportunities and risk response.
• Prepare speeches, statements and briefing materials for advocacy and leadership.
• Oversee branding, social media and digital content to enhance visibility and engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualifications in communications or related field

Job description

NACCHO is seeking a dynamic Director, Communications to lead strategic communications, media and public affairs, supporting strong advocacy, stakeholder engagement and organisational reputation.

About NACCHO

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national peak bodyrepresenting148 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). ACCHOs deliver comprehensive primary health care to more than half of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples nationally.

About the Role

The Director, Communications is responsible for leading NACCHO's communications function, while also playing a hands‑on role in delivery of media, executive communications, and stakeholder messaging. The role combines strategic leadership, issue management and team oversight with direct responsibility for producing and quality assuring complex communications materials that supports NACCHO's advocacy and leadership across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector.

Responsibilities of this role but not limited to:

• Provide strategic communications advice and support to ensure messaging, campaigns, branding and engagement activities align with NACCHO’s strategic priorities and reputation.
• Lead media and public affairs activities, including media relations, media opportunities, issues management and reputational risk response.
• Prepare high‑quality speeches, public statements, correspondence and briefing materials that support NACCHO’s advocacy, leadership and stakeholder engagement objectives.
• Oversee branding, social media, digital engagement and creative content initiatives to enhance organisational visibility, stakeholder engagement and brand consistency across all communications.

About You

You are an experienced communications leader with strong judgement, initiative and stakeholder engagement skills. You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, media studies or a related field are highly desirable
• Experience providing high‑level communications advice and support to senior leadership, including developing and delivering integrated communication strategies and public messaging across multiple channels.
• Experience managing complex communications risks, issues, projects and competing priorities in dynamic and politically sensitive environments.
• A valid WWVP clearance and National Police check or ability to obtain.

Why Join Us?

At NACCHO, you’ll contribute to meaningful, community‑focused work that supports improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You’ll join a supportive and inclusive team, with opportunities for professional growth and a role where your work genuinely makes a difference.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For any questionsregardingthe role, please contact:Mel Pietsch, Executive Director at***********@naccho.org.au