Communications and Campaigns Manager

About the role

This is a senior communications and campaigning role responsible for shaping how the Union communicates with its members, the media and the broader community. You'll help develop campaign strategy, shape compelling messages and narratives, drive media engagement and lead a small communications team to deliver high-quality content across digital, print and traditional media. Working closely with the Secretary, as well as Union leadership, organisers and industrial staff, you'll turn workplace issues into campaigns that engage members, mobilise workers and influence public debate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support a small Communications Team, setting priorities, managing workflow and maintaining a high standard of work
• Work closely with the Secretary to develop communications, media and campaign strategy
• Play a key role in developing and delivering campaign strategy, working closely with organising, industrial and leadership teams
• Develop campaign narratives, key messages and communications strategies that engage members and move workers to action
• Lead the Union's media strategy and engagement, including building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers and other media contacts
• Identify proactive media opportunities and pitch stories that advance HWU campaigns and the interests of health workers
• Draft and edit high-quality media releases, speeches, opinion pieces, campaign materials, member communications, briefings and other written content
• Prepare and support the Secretary and other Union spokespeople for interviews, media appearances and public communication
• Oversee member communications across email, SMS, social media, website, digital and print channels
• Work with Communications Officers and creative staff to translate campaign strategy into strong visual, video and digital content

About you

• An outstanding writer and editor, capable of producing clear, persuasive and compelling content quickly
• A strong strategic thinker who understands campaigns, audiences, narrative and how communications can influence behaviour
• Experienced in developing communications that engage and mobilise people around a common goal
• Confident working with traditional media, with an understanding of how newsrooms operate and the ability to develop strong relationships with journalists
• Able to identify a strong story, find the right angle and turn complex workplace issues into accessible public messages
• An effective team leader who can provide direction, feedback and support while maintaining high standards
• Comfortable working directly with senior leaders and providing clear, confident strategic advice
• Able to exercise sound judgement in sensitive or fast-moving situations
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple campaigns and competing priorities
• Collaborative and comfortable working closely with organisers, industrial staff, members and workplace leaders

About us

The Health Workers Union (HWU) represents health workers across Victoria — from hospitals and aged care to disability and pathology. We fight for fair pay, safe conditions and respect at work, and strong campaigns and communications are central to how we organise workers, build power and win.

Benefits

• 12% superannuation
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Tools of trade and ongoing professional development
• The opportunity to lead and develop a small, growing communications team
• The opportunity to work closely with the Secretary and senior leadership on major organisational and campaign priorities
• A central role in major workplace, industrial and public campaigns
• Significant autonomy and the opportunity to directly shape the voice, campaigns and public profile of a growing Union