Director, Media

Western Sydney University; Richmond; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice parking

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite childcare at multiple campuses

Discounted private health cover

Job summary

Western Sydney University is seeking an experienced Director, Media to lead the University's media function and elevate its profile through compelling storytelling, media engagement and impactful media coverage.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, you will lead the University's media strategy, ensuring a coordinated approach to proactive media engagement across local, national and international media, while translating priorities into coverage and expert commentary.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior experience leading media functions in a large, complex and publicly accountable organisation.
• Strong track record developing and delivering media strategies that support organisational priorities and objectives.
• Deep knowledge of the Australian media landscape with established relationships across print, broadcast, digital and specialist media.
• Experience supporting organisational responses to sensitive issues, reputational risks and critical incidents.
• Strong news judgement and ability to identify opportunities based on strategic value and impact.
• Ability to translate complex research, policy and organisational issues into clear, compelling stories.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and building media capability through coaching and guidance.
• Understanding of higher education and the Western Sydney context is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead Western's media strategy and maximise impactful media coverage.
• Identify and amplify newsworthy stories relating to student success, research, education, partnerships and regional impact.
• Translate strategic priorities into media coverage, thought leadership and expert commentary.
• Build trusted relationships with journalists across the Australian media landscape.
• Lead a high-performing media and social media team in collaboration with university leaders and subject-matter experts.

Skills

News judgement

Communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Public relations/communications degree

Job description

• Full-time, Senior Position on a 5-year Fixed-Term Contract.
• Parramatta and travel required toother campuses,flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive senior-level remuneration, commensurate with experience.

Lead Western's media strategy, elevate its profile and maximise opportunities for impactful media coverage.

The Opportunity

Western Sydney University is seeking an experienced Director, Media to lead the University's media function and elevate its profile through compelling storytelling, media engagement and impactful media coverage.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, you will lead the University's media strategy, ensuring a coordinated and evidence-led approach to proactive media engagement. You will identify opportunities to promote the University's achievements, amplify expert voices and strengthen its presence across local, national and international media. You will also play a key role in managing media-related issues and supporting media responses during critical incidents.

You will identify, develop and amplify compelling and newsworthy stories relating to student success, impactful research, educational excellence, partnerships and regional impact. Working across the University, you will translate strategic priorities into media coverage, thought leadership and expert commentary.

With strong news judgement and a deep understanding of the external environment, you will have and build trusted relationships with journalists across the Australian media landscape, identify opportunities for impactful coverage and help elevate the University's profile.

You will lead a high-performing media and social media team while working collaboratively with leaders, academics and subject-matter experts across the University to maximise opportunities for media engagement and coverage.

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to how Western Sydney University is understood and represented, while working at the intersection of media, higher education and the Western Sydney community.

What Success Looks Like:

• Lead Western's media strategy and maximise impactful media coverage.


• Identify, develop and amplify compelling and newsworthy stories relating tostudent success, impactful research, educational excellence, partnerships and regional impact.


• Translate strategic priorities into media coverage, thought leadership and expert commentary.


• Build trusted relationships with journalists across the Australian media landscape.


• Lead a high-performing media and social media team while working collaboratively with leaders, academics and subject-matter experts.

Please refer to the Position Descriptionfor full details.

About You

You are an experienced media leader with the judgement, credibility and capability to operate confidently in complex and highly visible environments.

• Extensive senior experience leading media functions in a large, complex and publicly accountable organisation.


• A strong track record developing and delivering media strategies that support organisational priorities and objectives.


• Deep knowledge of the Australian media landscape, including established relationships across print, broadcast, digital and specialist media.


• Proven experience supporting organisational responses to sensitive issues, reputational risks and critical incidents.


• Strong news judgement and the ability to identify and prioritise opportunities based on their strategic value and impact.


• The ability to translate complex research, policy, education and organisational issues into clear, compelling and newsworthy stories.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills combined with strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.


• Experience leading high-performing teams and building media capability through coaching, collaboration and practical guidance.


• A strong understanding of higher education, government, public policy and the Western Sydney context would be highly valued.


• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of professional experience and education.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.


• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.


• Onsite childcare:Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.


• Position Enquiries: Direct to Andrew Younis, Chief Marketing Officer via********@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference codeREF1894W


• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Thursday 8th October 2026


• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact ***************@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.

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