About the Institute:

As a global leader in mental health research and the only Medical Research Institute (MRI) In Australia to Investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

Areas of strength include suicide prevention, digital mental health, workplace mental health, new treatments, and prevention in young people. Our unique translational approach allows us to quickly turn our world-class scientific findings into clinical services, educational programs and e-health products that improve the lives of people with mental illness.

We join the dots, connecting research answers, expert knowledge and the voices of lived experience to deliver solutions that work across the health care system for patients and practitioners alike.

Our partnerships with people with lived experience, federal, state and local governments, communities, schools, corporate Australia and others in the mental health sector enables us to drive evidence-informed change where it’s needed most.

What we offer:

• Competitive salaries
• Salary packaging
• Commitment to Learning and Development
• Flexible working hours and work-life balance
• Generous parental leave policy
• Pet friendly office
• Social and team events

About the Role:

The purpose of this role is to drive the strategic growth of the Institute’s reputation for thought leadership in mental health science and advocacy around key issues.

This a project management role, responsible for working with internal and external stakeholders. This role will lead the thought leadership and advocacy programs for a high-profile conference and anniversary events for 2022. It also contributes to the organisation’s thought leadership events and programs as a whole, such as white papers and media relations.

Key Duties:

Thought leadership

• Manage and lead the execution of the Lancet Commission event in October 2022 including working with senior internal stakeholders and suppliers. Deliver thought leadership events and external communications in support of the organisation’s 20th anniversary and profile.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing and communications, government relations and research teams to implement thought leadership and media strategies.
• Copywriting and content creation.
• Risk and Issues management in relation to the above program of work.

Media relations

• Proactive media relations including production of media releases, pitches, op-eds, and responding to requests in collaboration with the Media and PR Manager.

Stakeholder liaison

• Work with the Corporate Communications Manager, internal stakeholders and external suppliers in delivering the Lancet conference and key communications relating to the 20th anniversary and thought leadership program of work.
• Work with the marketing and communications, government relations and research teams on opportunities to leverage activity.

Administration

• Planning, reporting and managing to key milestones across the Lancet conference, and planning and managing anniversary activities and budgets against agreed KPIs.

Desired Skills and Experience

About You:

The successful candidate will have the following:

Essential Criteria

1. Tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, or a similar field
2. A minimum of five years' experience in thought leadership, corporate communications, strategic event management and tier 1 media relations.
3. Demonstrated success in implementing thought leadership activities to achieve organisational goals in tight timeframes and budgets.
4. Successful track record in building and implementing large national events.
5. Exceptional project management skills and attention to detail.
6. Demonstrated ability to interpret complex information into key messages and accurate and engaging content for different audiences.
7. Well-developed interpersonal and strong written communication skills with the ability to positively influence outcomes.
8. Previous experience working with senior managers and/or or C-suite level stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience working with academics, scientists, health sector or similar.

Blackdog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.