Marketing Manager

About Optometry Australia

Optometry Australia serves as the leading professional association for optometrists nationwide, dedicated to empowering members through essential services, resources, and advocacy to help them thrive in a dynamic optometry field.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of Marketing & Communications, this full-time leadership position involves managing a high-performing team to oversee communication, media relations, and reputation management for the organization. The role requires shaping consistent and impactful messaging across various channels including members, stakeholders, media, and the public. A key focus is translating complex information into clear content and offering strategic communication guidance to protect and enhance the organization's reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead communications strategies across member, stakeholder, media, public, and digital platforms, including content planning and campaign execution.
• Manage public relations efforts, coordinate media requests, and determine when to escalate sensitive or high-risk inquiries.
• Provide senior-level support in crisis communications, reputation management, media tactics, executive briefings, and stakeholder communications.
• Monitor media and stakeholder sentiment to identify opportunities, risks, and emerging issues, aiding the organization in reputation-sensitive matters.
• Analyze member engagement trends and campaign performance to support evidence-based decisions.
• Oversee the execution of integrated marketing and communications campaigns from planning through reporting and optimization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop two direct reports—a Communications Specialist and a Marketing Coordinator—while fostering a collaborative and quality-focused team environment.

Candidate Profile

Success in this role depends on your alignment with Optometry Australia's core values: integrity, respect, and teamwork. You will be a positive, collaborative leader committed to supporting a strong, cohesive team culture.

Essential qualifications and experience include:

• Extensive senior communications experience including crisis management, media strategy, executive briefings, and high-level stakeholder interaction.
• Expertise in managing media inquiries, especially sensitive or high-risk requests, with a deep understanding of media relations processes.
• Proven leadership of small teams and projects, with effective prioritization, coaching, and feedback skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling abilities to clearly convey complex topics tailored to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in planning and delivering integrated marketing and communications campaigns across varied channels.
• Familiarity with marketing and communication technologies including email platforms, CMS, media monitoring, and CRM tools.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, media, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in health, non-profit, peak body, or membership sectors is advantageous but not mandatory.

Why Choose Optometry Australia?

• Competitive salary with non-profit salary packaging options to enhance take-home pay.
• Flexible work arrangements including remote and office-based options to support work-life balance.
• Opportunity for professional development through coaching, webinars, training, and workshops.
• Additional leave benefits including a paid birthday leave day, extra leave between Christmas and New Year, and flexible public holiday arrangements.
• A supportive team culture valuing collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.

Diversity and Inclusion

Optometry Australia is devoted to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Applications are especially welcomed from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and candidates from all backgrounds. Accommodations during the recruitment process can be arranged upon request.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about communications and media and aim to make an impact within the health sector, submit your updated resume and cover letter. For confidential inquiries, contact Gabrielle Patterson at Patterson Recruitment.