Director, Engagement and Communities

Canberra Health Services; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 149,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Salary packaging with fringe benefits

Flexible working conditions

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite Physiotherapists

Job summary

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive our engagement and external communications function. This is a unique opportunity to lead how CHS listens, connects and communicates, ensuring the voices of staff, consumers and the wider Canberra community help inform decisions that improve health services across the ACT.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Communications, Engagement and Media, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for community

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and team leadership.
• Ability to develop audience-centred engagement and communication strategies.
• Proven track record in building trust and strong reputation through storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement and external communications across CHS to inform decisions and improve services.
• Develop and deliver audience-centred engagement and communication strategies.
• Provide trusted advice on complex issues and co-design with staff and community.
• Strengthen CHS's reputation through authentic storytelling and transparent communication.
• Lead external communications and CHS digital presence, shaping compelling content and conversations.
• Champion best-practice consultation, collaboration and inclusive engagement with staff and community.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Content creation

Social media management

Job description

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Classification: Senior Officer Grade B (PN 36673)

Salary: $149,172 - $167,151 (Plus 12.5% Super)

Location: Hybrid

Section: Communications, Media & Government

Closing Date: 21 September 2026

What Can We Offer You

• Competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions within a tertiary hospital.
• Salary Packaging with many options that provide full fringe benefits tax concessions.
• Flexible working conditions.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to onsite Physiotherapists.

About The Role

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive our engagement and external communications function. This is a unique opportunity to lead how CHS listens, connects and communicates, ensuring the voices of staff, consumers and the wider Canberra community help inform decisions that improve health services across the ACT.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Communications, Engagement and Media, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for community and consumer engagement, staff engagement, communications, content creation and social media. Working closely with senior leaders, you will develop and deliver audience-centred engagement and communication strategies, provide trusted advice on complex and sensitive issues, and strengthen CHS's reputation through meaningful engagement and authentic storytelling.

You will champion best-practice consultation, collaboration and co-design, creating opportunities for staff, consumers and community members to contribute to the future direction of CHS. You will also lead CHS's external communications and digital presence, shaping compelling content and conversations that build trust, transparency and connection with the community.

We're looking for a confident and collaborative leader with a proven track record in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and team leadership. You bring exceptional influencing skills, sound judgement and a passion for turning community and workforce insights into meaningful action.

At CHS, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the health and wellbeing of Canberrans. You'll work alongside passionate professionals, partner with senior leaders on high-profile initiatives, and help shape decisions that influence the future of healthcare across the ACT.

We offer a supportive and inclusive workplace, flexible working arrangements, opportunities for leadership and professional development, and the chance to lead work that delivers real outcomes for our staff, consumers and community.

Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.

Our Vision

creating exceptional health care together

Our Role

to be a health service that is trusted by our community

Our Values

Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

If you would like further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Claire Foote on [phone] or at [e-mail].

Job

General/Administrative

149,172.0021/Sep/2026, 4:59:00 PM