Head of Communications and Engagement, Mental Health and Ageing

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Director of Communications & Engagement, the Head of Portfolio Communications & Engagement – Mental Health and Ageing is a pivotal member of the Communications and Engagement Branch leadership team, responsible for ensuring exemplary communication and engagement practices throughout the department.

This role involves leading a team of dedicated communications and engagement professionals, steering their efforts to create audience-centric, insightful communications and engagement initiatives.

The incumbent focuses on facilitating public and stakeholder involvement in reform and delivery initiatives for Victoria's health and wellbeing system. Collaboration with senior leaders across the branch and department ensures communications are harmonized with the wider Communications and Engagement strategy and departmental narrative.

The Head fosters robust partnerships with branch executives, divisional leaders, senior staff, key external stakeholders, and ministerial offices. This position also strategically oversees how the department’s brand and values are integrated and conveyed across all communications and engagement actions.

Additional duties may include providing support to other teams within the Branch, participating in emergency on-call rotations during out-of-hours periods, and contributing to large-scale campaigns and urgent projects.

About the Employer

The Victorian Department of Health is dedicated to fostering a future where Victorians are among the healthiest globally, ensuring thriving children, safe productive workplaces, and connected communities. The department aims to support the population to maintain health and safety by delivering a world-class healthcare system that offers equitable access to quality care, improving health outcomes for all.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of a tertiary qualification and/or extensive experience in marketing, communications, media, journalism, or business administration is highly advantageous.
• Proven expertise in managing people effectively, including navigating change and resolving performance challenges.
• Strong background in crafting and executing strategic plans, with demonstrated leadership of communications and engagement teams that deliver modern, multi-channel communications strategies.
• Experience in advising on engagement strategies and overseeing the implementation and assessment of engagement activities.
• Track record of offering strategic guidance to senior executives at the C-suite level.
• Sound understanding of the public service landscape, health sector dynamics, and government operations.

What the Role Offers

• The chance to engage in meaningful work that directly enhances health outcomes in Victoria.
• Access to a variety of professional growth and development pathways within the department and the broader Victorian Public Service.
• A strong organizational focus on work-life harmony, including a range of flexible working arrangements tailored to diverse needs.

Application Information

Applicants should submit a resume alongside a cover letter. Further details, including the closing date and contact information, are provided with the job notice.

The department promotes an inclusive workplace embracing diversity, encouraging applications from Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and those from culturally varied backgrounds. Adjustments are available to support participation in the recruitment process upon request.

Selected candidates may need to undergo police and other pre-employment screenings, conducted in compliance with the department’s Privacy Policy.