Director, Media

Western Sydney University; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice parking

Novated leasing

Employee assistance program

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. You will identify opportunities to promote achievements and strengthen presence across local, national and international media, reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer.

You will lead a high‑performing media and social media team, work with academics and leaders to maximise engagement,

Qualifications

• Extensive senior experience leading media functions in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong track record developing media strategies aligned to priorities.
• Deep knowledge of Australian media and established relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead Western's media strategy and maximise impactful coverage.
• Develop and amplify newsworthy stories across student success, research and partnerships.
• Translate priorities into media coverage, thought leadership and commentary.
• Build trusted journalist relationships across Australian media.
• Lead a high-performing media and social media team in collaboration with university leadership.

Skills

Media strategy

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

News judgement

Public relations

Crisis management

Education

Public relations degree

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Job Description

• Full-time, Senior Position on a 5-year Fixed-Term Contract.
• Parramatta and travel required to other 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 to student 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.

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.

Application Details

• 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 [email protected].

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.