• Make a difference to young people by joining a leading, well-recognised and trusted national youth mental health organisation
• An exciting opportunity to drive a transformational integrated media and communications function and strategy to enhance headspace's profile and reputation across Australia
• Full time permanent position in a hybrid environment based in Melbourne

Who is headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation?

headspace is the leading youth mental health organisation in Australia. Recognised nationally, headspace helps thousands of young people, and their family and friends, access vital support online, over the phone, in schools and through our headspace centres in over 160 communities across Australia. To learn more about headspace and the services we offer, visit headspace.org.au.

About the role

The Head of Media & Communications is responsible for leading and delivering a visionary integrated media and communications strategy, that enhances headspace's profile and reputation across Australia, articulates a clear public position for headspace on key matters affecting the mental health and wellbeing of young people, sets the tone and principles for messaging across the organisation and headspace centre network, and propels headspace's standing as a national authority and thought leader in youth mental health.

The position reports to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing and manages a small team of media and communication professionals. It oversees all internal and external communication, media, public relations, crisis/issues management, thought leadership and corporate affairs matters.

Key responsibilities of this senior position include:

• Building, enhancing and protecting headspace's profile and reputation through the development and delivery of an integrated strategic communication, media and PR plan, spanning internal and external channels including our diverse national headspace centre network.
• Leading the development and delivery of an integrated thought leadership strategy for headspace that grows our reputation as a credible and sought-after thought leader in youth mental health and wellbeing.
• Leading the development of a public positioning and advocacy strategy for headspace that articulates our role in advocating for the needs of young people, their families and the community.
• Leading on media and issues management, proactively identifying and addressing emerging challenges and opportunities (internally and externally), influencing and advising on approaches and driving a coordinated and effective response across the organisation.
• Ensuring that appropriate systems, processes and procedures are in place to support a best-in-class internal and external communications function, that continually measures and evaluates its effectiveness.

Further details are available in the Position Description attached.

Who we're looking for

headspace is seeking a seasoned communications leader with:

• At least ten years leading a Communication/Media/Corporate Affairs function in a complex and issues-rich environment.
• A proven ability to operate effectively under pressure and navigate complexity and shades of grey with resilience, foresight and adaptability.
• A capable systems thinker, able to consider the interconnectedness and interdependencies in a complex system of projects, stakeholders and resources.
• Excellent influencing skills and strong leadership presence, and a reputation as a trusted advisor to high-level stakeholders including CEOs and senior executives.
• A tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, media, journalism or a related discipline, and/or equivalent demonstrated experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building policies and processes to drive impact, evaluation and prudent risk management when managing media and communication issues and reputational risks.
• A well-established network of media contacts in Australia across multiple mediums.

What's on offer

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people across Australia.
• Excellent salary packaging up to the maximum amount ($15,900) - For more information on salary packaging, please refer to: https://www.smartsalary.com.au/.
• Hybrid work environment where you can work from home and in the Melbourne CBD office.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A focus on wellbeing and a commitment to diversity.

How to Apply

• Click on 'Apply Now' to view the position description, and to complete your application.
• Your application must include a resume and cover letter telling us why you are the best candidate for the role considering the Key Responsibilities found in the position description.

To be eligible for this position you must

• Have the right to live and work in Australia.
• Hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) in your home State / Territory.
• Satisfactorily undergo a headspace Police Check.

headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and all current vacancies.