Manager Communications & Engagement

Manager Communications & Engagement

West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG) | Gippsland Local Health Service Network (GLHSN)

• Full Time Position
• Classification: Managers and Administrative Workers Grade 7 (HS7)
• Location: West Gippsland Healthcare Group / Gippsland Local Health Service Network.

Are you a strategic and values-led communications leader who is passionate about connecting people, strengthening engagement, and shaping organisational reputation?

West Gippsland Healthcare Group and the Gippsland Local Health Service Network are seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager Communications & Engagement to lead integrated communications, stakeholder engagement, and brand management across both organisations. This newly established leadership role provides a unique opportunity to influence communication and engagement at both a local and regional level.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director People & Culture and the Executive Director Gippsland Local Health Service Network, the Manager Communications & Engagement will play a pivotal role in delivering cohesive and engaging internal and external communications that connect clinicians, executives, Boards, partner organisations, consumers, and communities to organisational priorities and strategic direction.

This role is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive communications and engagement strategies aligned to organisational priorities for both WGHG and GLHSN
• Providing strategic communications, reputation, and stakeholder advice to Executives, CEOs, Boards, and senior leaders
• Leading internal communications that strengthen culture, engagement, and organisational alignment
• Managing external communications, media relations, public affairs, and crisis communications
• Building strong stakeholder and community relationships across Gippsland
• Protecting and enhancing organisational brand, identity, and reputation
• Overseeing digital communications including websites, social media, and online engagement tools
• Supporting communication planning for major projects, organisational change, and regional initiatives
• Leading and developing a high-performing communications and engagement team
• Monitoring communication effectiveness and managing reputational and communication risks.

About Us

At West Gippsland Healthcare Group, our purpose is “Connecting, to care at every stage of life” and our promise is delivering Connected quality care.

The Gippsland Local Health Service Network brings together eight health services with a shared commitment to Caring for Gippsland Together, delivering coordinated, safe, sustainable, and person-centred care across the region.

About You

You are a highly skilled communications professional who thrives in complex and fast-paced environments and can confidently influence and engage a broad range of stakeholders.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in a senior communications and/or engagement leadership role
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic communications and engagement plans
• Strong experience in media relations, issues management, and crisis communications
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling messages
• Proven ability to influence and advise senior executives and stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• High levels of judgement, resilience, political acumen, and discretion
• A collaborative, inclusive, and people-centred leadership approach.

Experience in healthcare, public sector, regional settings, or multi-agency environments will be highly regarded, along with tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to:

• Influence communication and engagement across a major regional health service and regional health network
• Work closely with Executive leaders, Boards, and community stakeholders
• Shape culture, engagement, and organisational reputation
• Contribute to improving health outcomes across Gippsland
• Join a collaborative and values-driven organisation committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

Applications

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• Current resume

For further information about the role is contained in the Position Description, please contact Cathy Portelli, Executive Director People & Culture, WGHG: cathy.portelli@wghg.com.au or Rachel Meehan, Executive Director GLHSN: rachel.meehan@glhsn.com.au

As an inclusive employer committed to diversity and equity, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people, and people with lived experience of disability. WGHG is a Child Safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children.