Career Opportunities: Strategic Communications Specialist (43950)
The opportunity
We're looking for an enthusiastic Strategic Communications Specialist to shape the voice of a nationally significant initiative in genomic medicine. Working closely with our Director, Professor Daniel MacArthur, you will lead strategic communications for the Centre for Population Genomics, strengthening our brand, crafting clear messaging for diverse stakeholders, and advancing initiatives that increase our visibility and influence.
About your new team
The Centre for Population Genomics (CPG) is a joint initiative of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Garvan) in Sydney and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne. You'll join a remote-first, geographically distributed team of more than 50 experts across Australia and New Zealand driving innovation in genomics, data science, and clinical translation. Our team brings together software engineers, data scientists, project managers, and community engagement specialists – many with industry backgrounds – working collaboratively to deliver real‐world impact.
What you'll do
* Build strong partnerships with the communications teams at Garvan and MCRI to identify opportunities and share impactful stories.
* Lead CPG's communications strategy to strengthen brand, visibility, and messaging aligned with organisational goals and values.
* Deliver strategic communications across multiple channels, including digital and social media, news media, events, publications, and presentations.
* Work with the institutional communications teams to manage media engagement and responses, including acting as a key internal contact for enquiries and supporting crisis communications.
* Support organisational impact and engagement, including surfacing impact stories and strengthening internal communication capability.
What you'll bring
* Tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, or other relevant discipline.
* Proven strategic communications experience (5+ years), with the ability to develop and deliver effective communications strategies and plans.
* Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, able to translate complex information into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
* Strong understanding of Australia's media landscape, with experience managing media engagement and time‐sensitive communications.
* Excellent relationship‐building and collaboration skills, working effectively with internal experts and diverse stakeholders.
* Adaptable, proactive, and curious, with the confidence to work independently in a fast‐paced, evolving environment.
Please view the position description here.
Any questions? Reach out to Dr Hannah Nicholas at hannah.nicholas@mcri.edu.au.
What you'll enjoy
* Access a range of salary packaging options – covering entertainment, novated leases, and more.
* Enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements.
* Work alongside a team that's dedicated to making a real difference.
* Play a key role in advancing work at Australia's largest child health research institute.
* Feel supported through our health and wellbeing program, which includes complimentary access to the Employee Assistance Program.
* Owning and delivering a multi‐platform communications strategy with real visibility.
* Translating complex health and medical science into impactful engagement.
Who we are
Murdoch Children's Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem‐solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.
We are committed to the safety of children and young people and take a zero‐tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision‐making at all levels of the Institute.
Apply now!
If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:
* Your resume
* A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.
We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier‐free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.
For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment Team at recruitment@mcri.edu.au. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line.
We are actively reviewing applications and reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Early application is encouraged.
No recruitment agencies please.
Applications close: 17 April 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight time
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