Lead, Public Relations

When considering applying, please note that the Victorian Government has accepted the recommendation to integrate VicHealth into the Department of Health. Our important prevention work continues, including the delivery of programs, partnerships and funding rounds, as we await further information. Please visit our website for the information we currently have available.

VicHealth welcomes and values applications from candidates who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, candidates with culturally diverse backgrounds, candidates with disability and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

About the role:
This role leads VicHealth's public relations efforts by driving media strategy, strengthening the organisation's reputation, fostering key media and stakeholder relationships, ensuring impactful communication of VicHealth's health promotion messages, and supporting leaders to communicate effectively with the public and media.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading the development, implementation and evaluation of media and PR strategies
• Providing media advice and coaching/mentoring
• Building and maintaining relationships between VicHealth and journalists/other media professionals
• Writing, editing and pitching media/communications materials
• Working with the CEO Office to plan and coordinate CEO media and thought leadership opportunities

You are:

• An experienced PR professional with excellent writing skills and a strong understanding of the media cycle
• A confident communicator and natural relationship builder, with the ability to negotiate, influence and persuade
• Proactive, curious and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications and experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or Public Relations or similar area
• At least 5 years' of relevant working experience
• Experience developing and delivering proactive PR and media strategies
• Strong track record of securing quality media coverage
• Excellent media writing skills
• Experience managing reactive media issues and reputational risk
• Experience in data analysis, monitoring and reporting

Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026

Group: Social Marketing and Communications

Tenure: Full-time, fixed-term (until 27 August 2027)

Classification: VicHealth Grade D

Remuneration: Starting at $97,891 per annum (plus superannuation and other benefits). The role will participate in an out-of-hours media on-call roster and will receive an allowance for rostered periods and additional leave.

Perks and benefits:

• Hybrid-work model
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

How to apply:
Applications must include a resume and a cover letter, which should include why you feel you are suitable for the position and address the Key Selection Criteria from the position description.

Please refer to the position description attached to view the qualifications and experience.

If successful, you will be required to undertake a Working with Children check.

For further information about the role, please contact Brea Pape at [email protected] or [03 9667 1341](tel:03 9667 1341).

VicHealth acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government