Head of Communications

NSW Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Salary packaging

Accrued days off

Fitness passport

Employee assistance

Job summary

NSW Health in Sydney's Westmead health district seeks a strategic Head of Communications to lead NCIRS communication, engagement and reputation management. This senior role provides executive oversight, advising the NCIRS Executive and stakeholders on complex communication and organisational change matters.

The role drives integrated communication frameworks, governance and engagement approaches to support priorities, research translation and partnerships across government health, academia and

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and executive oversight of NCIRS communication, engagement and reputation management functions.
• Develop and implement contemporary communication strategies to strengthen organisational reputation and public health outcomes.
• Lead and manage the Communication and Engagement team, setting strategic direction and delivering high-quality services.

Job description

Employment Type:TemporaryFull Time until 30 June 2029
Position Classification:Health Mgr Lvl 4
Remuneration:153559 - 182954 full-time equivalent base salary range (+12% super + 17.5% leave loading and salary packaging)
Hours Per Week:38
Requisition ID:REQ694677
Location: Westmead
Applications Close: Midnight on 7 October 2026
For role related queries or questions contact Elizabeth Wareham on ***************@health.nsw.gov.au

As the largest paediatric health service in Australia, we care for thousands of children each year, in hospital and at home. Our people are united by compassion, collaboration and excellence in care.

What you'll be doing

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS) is the leading research organisation in Australia that provides objective expert advice on all aspects of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), vaccines, and other issues related to immunisation, to inform policy and planning for immunisation services in Australia and to support the control of VPDs across the whole life-course. NCIRS also has a growing Global Health program that works to support countries, particularly those in the Asia-Pacific region, on their immunisation system strengthening efforts. This work is funded through agreements with the Australian and New South Wales governments, including the Australian Centre for Disease Control, as well as other funding agencies.

The Head of Communication provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of NCIRS communication, engagement and reputation management functions. The position is accountable for developing and implementing contemporary communication and engagement strategies that enhance organisational reputation, influence public health outcomes and strengthen confidence in NCIRS as a trusted national and international leader in immunisation research, surveillance and policy.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role provides expert strategic advice to the NCIRS Executive and senior leaders, and key stakeholders on complex communication, engagement reputation, and organisational change matters. The position leads and attributes to the development of integrated communication frameworks, governance structures and engagement approaches that support strategic priorities, research translation and effective partnerships across government health, academic, community and international sectors.

As a member of the leadership team, the Head of Communications contributes to organisational strategy planning and decision-making, ensuring communication and engagement considerations are embedded within major initiatives, research programs and operational priorities.

The role leads and manages the Communication and Engagement team, setting strategic direction and ensuring the delivery of high-quality communication services that support NCIRS’s research, policy and stakeholder objectives. The position is responsible for building team capability, fostering innovation and driving continuous improvement to achieve measurable organisational outcomes.

In addition to broad functions within NCIRS, the position contributes to a culture of quality, safety, integrity and excellence in health research and supports the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) commitment to improving health outcomes for children and communities.

Additional Benefits (where applicable)

• Flexible work opportunities
• Salary packaging and meal entertainment benefits
• accrued days off (ADOs)
• fitness passport
• employee assistance program (EAP)

Child Safe Standards

SCHN is committed to maintaining a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, in line with NSW Health’s commitment to the Child Safe Standards.We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Additional Information

SCHN is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity, recognising that a diverse workforce strengthens our culture and enhances the care we provide to children, young people and their families.

Permanent NSW Health roles require Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Temporary visa holders may be considered where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident is identified.

Where required, overseas qualifications must be formally assessed by the Department of Education or relevant authority for recognition in Australia.

An Eligibility List may be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.