Head Of Communications

Sane; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

Flexible working environment

Wellbeing leave days

Job summary

SANE Australia seeks a senior communications leader to set and deliver organisation-wide strategic communications, shaping narratives and protecting SANE's reputation across platforms.

Reporting directly to the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, you will lead media relations, internal communications, issues management and crisis communications while mentoring a busy team in a flexible, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• At least 7 years’ experience in a strategic or senior communications, public affairs or advocacy role.
• Significant experience leading a high performing team.
• Deep understanding of the Australian mental health system and diverse lived experience community.
• Exceptional spoken and written communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop SANE’s Communication Strategy to position SANE as a leading mental health organisation through clear messaging, high-quality content and strategic communications.
• Lead high-impact communications, media and public relations initiatives that support SANE’s strategic objectives.
• Develop effective organisational narratives that communicate SANE’s impact, expertise and strategic direction.
• Build and maintain relevant relationships across the media, mental health sector, community and industry.
• Provide leadership, coaching and day-to-day support to direct reports to build capability, wellbeing and performance.

Skills

Leadership & strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field

Job description

An exciting opportunity to work with a leading digital mental health, adding value with your professional leadership and communications skills!

• Full time, permanent
• Salary packaging benefits - able to reduce your taxable income
• Flexible working environment
• Leading a high performing, busy team

Are you ready to make a difference in the mental health sector?

SANE is committed to creating a brighter future for Australians affected by complex mental health issues, by ending mental health inequity and social and economic exclusion. We provide free digital mental health support services and run a variety of mental health awareness, stigma reduction, research, and advocacy programs. We support diverse workforce segments, including those living with complex mental health issues, and the broader community. We are 100+ people with a volunteer work force of circa 60 people.

Reporting directly to the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, this role is a pivotal position responsible for setting and leading the development and delivery of organisation-wide strategic communications; delivering integrated programs and campaigns that support SANE's strategic goals; and building and protecting SANE's reputation as the leading Australian organisation supporting people with complex mental health needs.

You would be working in partnership with the Executive team and Board to shape the organisation’s narrative and ensure consistent, compelling and accessible messaging across all platforms as well as leading SANE’s media relations, internal communications, issues management and crisis communications.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Develop SANE’s Communication Strategy to position SANE as a leading mental health organisation through clear messaging, high-quality content and strategic communications.
• Lead high-impact communications, media and public relations initiatives that support SANE’s strategic objectives.
• Develop effective organisational narratives that communicate SANE’s impact, expertise and strategic direction.
• Build and maintain relevant relationships across the media, mental health sector, community and industry.
• Provide leadership, coaching and day-to-day support to direct reports to build capability, wellbeing and performance.

About You

• Minimum bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field.
• At least 7 years’ experience working in a strategic or senior communications, public affairs or advocacy role.
• Significant experience leading a high performing team, including mentoring and developing team members.
• A deep understanding of the Australian mental health system and the diverse needs of the Australian lived experience community.
• Exceptional spoken and written communications skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A friendly and collaborative environment
• Additional days of wellbeing leave each year

Please note: all SANE Employees are required to complete compliance checks including a National Police Check and Working with Children's Check.

SANE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are proud champions of lived experience. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, including people with lived experience of complex mental health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, people from CALD and LGBTQIA+ communities, and people of all ages to apply.

Job Summary

SANE Australia

Applications close: 6:00 AM GMT, 23rd Nov 2026