Manager, Media & External Communications
This role leads strategic media engagement and storytelling to elevate Macquarie University's public profile, driving national and global awareness through strong media relationships and compelling content across traditional and digital platforms.
A$142,000.00/yr - A$150,000.00/yr
* Salary package: $142,838 to $150,860 (HEW 9) plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.
* Appointment Type: Full-time, continuing role
* Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Key Accountabilities
* Lead and manage a high-performing Media and External Communications team, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders.
* Develop and implement communications strategies and campaigns that showcase the University's impact across multiple channels.
* Identify and pursue media opportunities to promote the University's mission, achievements, and initiatives.
* Collaborate with communications leaders to curate and promote content via media, The Lighthouse, and social platforms.
* Provide strategic advice on media and external communications, including issues management and reputational risk.
* Coordinate corporate announcements and ensure brand-aligned messaging with Group Marketing and Communications.
* Build strong relationships with University staff, researchers, and external media contacts.
* Oversee daily media team operations, including timely responses to media inquiries and hotline calls.
* Lead media training programs to support academic and research staff in engaging with external audiences.
* Proactively manage reputational risks and lead issue response efforts.
* Ensure compliance with EEO and WHS regulations.
* Perform other duties as required within the scope of the role.
How To Apply
To express your interest in this position, please submit a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your suitability for the role, by addressing the selection criteria outlined below, and your Resume.
Selection Criteria
* Demonstrated editorial leadership experience, including managing a newsroom or communications team, making strategic editorial decisions, ensuring quality control and driving continuous improvement.
* Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate high-performing teams with a commitment to professional development and high-quality, timely service delivery.
* Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering complex communications strategies that align with organisational objectives, enhance public understanding and recognition of societal contributions, and effectively position an institution in the media and public sphere.
* Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write concisely and quickly, communicate complex subjects clearly, and innovative and effective storytelling across multiple communication channels.
* Experience managing relationships with internal clients, journalists, media advisors, and senior executives, with the ability to effectively engage, inform, negotiate and influence to achieve desired outcomes.
* Proven experience in high-level issues management, including sensitive communications advice in national or international organisations.
* Deep understanding of the Australian and international media and political landscape, including the parliamentary press gallery, with an established network of media contacts.
* Analytical mindset and experience producing reports, insights, and performance measures across digital and social media channels.
For enquiries, please contact: James Giggacher
• Director of Communications
• Group Marketing – .
Closing Date: Wednesday 19th of November 2025 at 11:59pm (AEST).
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University,, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Marketing, Education, and Public Relations
Industries
* Higher Education, Marketing Services, and Public Relations and Communications Services
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
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