Senior Manager, Media and Communications

• Full Time, Continuing / Located at Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
• Salary band $126,458 - $133,971 plus 17% Superannuation and a range of employee benefits
• Join a dynamic and innovative media and communications team who play a critical role in raising profile and protecting La Trobe’s reputation.

About the position

This is a strategic and hands-on role, raising the profile of La Trobe University and protecting reputation through proactive and reactive media relations aligned with other communications functions including social media, internal communications and public affairs. The role deputises to the Director, Media and Communications including on crisis communications as required.

In this key role for the University, you will lead a small media team to provide high quality expert advice and strategic support on a range of activities to stakeholders across the University. You will proactively engage with media and thought leaders while also providing media response and developing mitigation strategies.

Reporting to the Director, Media and Communications some of your duties will include:

• Develop a consistently high standard of informative, accurate and engaging content, including media releases, opinion pieces, features, key messages and briefings on University activities, people and ideas.
• Support the Director Media and Communications in providing leadership across the University in best practice corporate communications, earned media, social media, issues management and the design and execution of cross platform communication strategies and projects.
• Develop and implement cross channel communications strategies to drive earned media coverage and ensure La Trobe remains one of the leading universities in Victoria for media coverage. Share communications content more widely across channels including social media.
• Lead the day-to-day management, development and operation of the media team, as well as manage relationships with key external stakeholders in order to make a significant contribution to University-wide communications programs that promote and build the core strengths and brand values of the University to diverse audiences.
• Maintain strong working relationships and provide expert advice to a range of internal stakeholders within the Division, as well as senior executives, Heads of School, Heads of Department, researchers and professional staff in order to identify areas of promotion and/or risk. Maintain strong relationships with media and thought leaders at a local, state and national level.

Skills & Experience

• A degree in media, public relations or communications (or equivalent experience). A substantial number of years’ experience in media relations, public relations and/or journalism.
• Significant experience of managing staff – including goal-setting, monitoring performance, professional development and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience leading and implementing innovative multi-channel communications strategies, including social media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including strong writing, story construction and editing skills across a wide range of communication channels including social media channels. Demonstrated ability to understand and synthesize complex ideas into simple, clear copy.
• Demonstrated experience of issues/crisis management.
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to negotiate, motivate, influence and build relationships, including with senior management.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below: 

https://f.io/KDo0ceng

Benefits

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• On site child care facilities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Applications close: Sunday 14th April @ 11:55pm

Position Enquiries: Claire Bowers, Director, Media and Communications, Email: [email protected] , Phone 0437 279 903

Recruitment Enquiries:  Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Email [email protected] , Phone 03 9479 5191

Position Description below:

 PD-Senior Manager, Media and Communications.pdf

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• A detailed Cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria; and
• An up-to-date resume.

 Why La Trobe:  

• Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact. 
• Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics 
• Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future

This is more than just a job. Working at La Trobe offers opportunities to demonstrate excellence and transform lives. 

Here, you’ll join exceptional people, partners and communities, who power our operations with ambition and purpose. 

Our success can be attributed to its strong sense of community. We have a long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice; we are committed to providing a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential. We strive to build a workplace where all employees of diverse backgrounds, abilities, experiences, sexuality, gender, religion and age are welcome, valued, respected and one that is representative of our community. We demonstrate our cultural qualities by holding ourselves accountable and creating a culture of trust and innovation while genuinely caring for one another.

La Trobe’s Cultural Qualities: