Media and Communications Manager

Join Australia’s leading cancer charity and help us shape the future of cancer care!!

About Cancer Council Australia

Cancer Council Australia is the nation’s leading non-government cancer control organisation, focused on reducing the impact of cancer through research, prevention, and support. We work alongside the community, health professionals, and government to provide trusted information and services to those affected by cancer. With a mission to save lives and create a cancer-free future, Cancer Council offers a purpose-driven workplace where everyone can make a meaningful difference to help improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

About the role

The Media and Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in delivering proactive and reactive media engagement and managing issues that impact Cancer Council Australia’s reputation and policy priorities. Reporting to the Head of Media and Communications, this role is responsible for monitoring the media and stakeholder landscape, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and coordinating timely, aligned and evidence-based responses. The position is central to driving awareness of Cancer Council Australia’s policy priorities, supporting government engagement and issues responses. This includes drafting media materials and supporting designated spokespeople to deliver key messages and increase awareness of our advocacy agenda.

Working in close partnership with Policy, Legal, Licensing and Marketing teams, the Manager ensures communications are accurate, consistent and aligned to strategic objectives. The role also works collaboratively across the Cancer Council Federation to maintain national consistency and support member organisations. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role requiring strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. It suits a confident media professional who is comfortable operating under pressure and thrives in purpose-driven environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement aligned to policy priorities
• Monitor emerging media, social and stakeholder risks and escalate appropriately
• Develop statements, key messages, Q&As and briefing materials for executives and spokespeople
• Coordinate national issues and crisis communications responses
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and committees
• Ensure messaging consistency and brand integrity across communication channel
• Measure and evaluate media and social performance to inform strategy
• Contribute to building Cancer Council’s profile as the trusted authority on cancer control

About you

You are an experienced media and communications professional with a strong background in media relations and issues management. You understand how media narratives evolve and can proactively shape conversations to protect and strengthen organisational reputation. You are highly organised, calm under pressure and capable of coordinating across multiple internal stakeholders during complex or sensitive situations.

You have experience preparing executive briefings, media statements and Q&As, and are confident advising senior leaders on communications risks and opportunities. You bring strong analytical capability, using media monitoring and sentiment insights to inform messaging and refine strategy. You are collaborative in your approach and comfortable working across divisions and with external partners to achieve aligned outcomes.

You bring:

• A minimum of five years’ experience in media relations or communications
• Demonstrated experience managing issues and crisis communications
• Strong experience drafting media materials and advising executives
• Proven ability to build media and stakeholder relationships
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to operate effectively in a multifaceted, purpose-driven environment
• Alignment with Cancer Council Australia’s mission and values
• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Our Culture

Cancer Council Australia is here for all Australians affected by cancer. We actively promote and foster a working environment that values diversity, difference and inclusion. As we strive to achieve our vision of a cancer free future, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ peoples and people living with a disability.

Why work with us?

At Cancer Council Australia, you don’t just join a team, you join a movement. As a non-profit organisation, our mission is to prevent cancer, empower patients, and save lives. You’ll benefit from:

• Salary sacrificing options, maximising your take home pay through generous salary packaging benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements and being part of a collaborative and inclusive team.
• Personal and professional development, with great opportunities to grow your skills