National Manager, Media and Communications

About Ampersand

Ampersand is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation offering a fantastic senior career opportunity for a passionate and seasoned media and communications professional. This role is based in Sydney CBD with a hybrid WFH arrangement, providing a competitive salary package, flexibility, and benefits.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the General Secretary, the National Manager, Media and Communications will lead a team of two communications professionals. This is a critical role focused on providing leadership, vision, and management in implementing Ampersand's national media and communications strategy. The position places a strong emphasis on managing external communications, resources, and projects for a dynamic and progressive organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan, providing leadership and advice on national communications.
• Lead a high-performing team, fostering engagement strategically and innovatively to expand internal and external audiences.
• Serve as the communications lead for high-level strategic advice and input on media issues, including crisis media management, government relations, and organisational risk.
• Support key leaders, notably the President and General Secretary, in making timely and effective contributions to the national audience and wider public discourse.
• Develop and execute a proactive media strategy, maintaining constructive relationships with media outlets.
• Advise on and oversee the strategy and management for organisational websites.
• Review and provide advice on presentations for various stakeholders.
• Manage all incoming requests for communications support.
• Lead and coordinate the production of key video messages from the President.
• Contribute to the production of high-quality written content and assist with editing communications and resources.
• Oversee, manage, and ensure adherence to the communications team budget.
• Actively develop team members through coaching, feedback, and creating meaningful development plans.
• Manage internal and external requests for copyright clearance and logo approvals.

What You'll Bring

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Media or Communications, and/or another relevant discipline.
• Extensive experience in developing a strategic approach and providing leadership in media and communications for a complex organisation with multiple national stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in offering high-level advice and guidance to senior executives regarding issues management, media, and communication.
• Proven experience in leading a high-performing team and building media and communications capacity within an organisation.
• Highly developed relational skills, with the ability to navigate organisational complexity and diverse cultures to foster effective working relationships and outcomes.
• The ability to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships at all levels.
• A high-level understanding of the Australian media landscape and political system, coupled with experience in engaging with government and public policy.
• A detailed understanding of regulatory compliance for publication, particularly concerning copyright, privacy, and other relevant areas, along with the ability to develop guiding policies for organisational compliance and external engagement.
• Excellent copywriting and editorial skills, with the ability to write and produce online content across various channels.
• Essential exposure to working in a not-for-profit or government organisation in a similar role.

Key skills/competency

• Media Strategy
• Crisis Management
• Public Relations
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leadership Development
• Government Relations
• Digital Communications
• Content Creation
• Budget Management
• Regulatory Compliance