The Stroke Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation that works with stroke survivors, carers, health professionals, government and the public to reduce the impact of stroke on the Australian community. Our mission is to Prevent Stroke, Save Lives, Enhance Recovery.

Purpose of the division

The National Manager Public Affairs and Media is part of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) The Office of the CEO team leads government relations, media engagement and external communications activities for the Foundation ensuring the profile and reputation of the organisation is enhanced and grows from year to year.

The team is responsible for informing and driving health policy aligned with the organisation’s mission to prevent stroke, save lives, and enhance recovery. These efforts aim to position the Stroke Foundation as a leading authority on stroke in Australia.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the CEO, the National Manager Public Affairs and Media provides strategic leadership on government relations, co-ordinates and delivers public relations, media engagement and issues management support across the Stroke Foundation.

This involves the development and delivery of an integrated public affairs and media strategy and activities to support the delivery of Stroke Foundation’s mission and strategic plan.

Central to the role is connecting Stroke Foundation’s brand with its internal and external stakeholders including government at all levels, journalists, and the broader community. The role is also required to ensure a robust issues management process is implemented.

This national role provides a consultancy role on the development of key corporate communication materials (print and online), and internal communications to ensure consistency with external profile, messaging, and reputation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated public affairs and media engagement strategy and plan to support the organisation to achieve its strategic goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (including government at all levels), external alliances and partners to support Stroke Foundation’s strategic plan.
• Work with the CEO and key stakeholders to coordinate and provide high quality responses/submissions to relevant government and legislative policy developments.
• Work with the People and Culture team to support internal communications, ensuring our people are informed and engaged in Stroke Foundation’s strategic plan and mission.
• Provide expert media and communications advice, including media briefings and training where relevant, to the CEO, managers nationally, members of the consumer and clinical committees as required.
• Evaluate Public Affairs and Advocacy activities and strive to continually improve.
• Lead and motivate the Public Affairs and Advocacy team (employees/volunteers) to achieve agreed goals in a positive and supportive environment.

Your background, skills, and experience

• A tertiary degree in public health policy, journalism, public relations, or related discipline (essential)
• Significant experience as a public affairs or public relations practitioner in business, government or not-for-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of public relations theory and practice, including strategy development and implementation.
• Awareness of media requirements and a strong network of media contacts.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Detailed understanding of social media, online communities and its use in public affairs and advocacy.
• Solid understanding of public health and the health sector, including government, health services, not for profit organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, nurture and maintain key relationships across the political, media and health landscape.
• Personal competence, qualities, ethics and attitude