Communications Manager

Role Type: contract until 30 June 2028

Hours: full time or 30.4 hours per week
Salary: $129,079 – $134,292 p.a plus superannuation (pro rata if part time)

The opportunity:

Join MCRI as a Communications Manager and lead the strategic communications agenda for Population Allergy, NACE and CFAR. Working alongside senior leaders, you'll shape the national profile of allergy research, influence government and stakeholder engagement, and deliver impactful communications that support research, policy and philanthropy. This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change across one of Australia's leading health research organisations.

This opportunity is available at either 0.8 FTE (30.4 hours per week) or full time.

What you’ll do  

• Lead the communications strategy for Population Allergy, NACE and CFAR


• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders


• Develop and lead a government engagement communications strategy in partnership with the NACE Program Manager


• Develop communications that support fundraising and grant opportunities


• Lead media, digital and social media communications

What you’ll bring

• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications in at least one area of communications, media, marketing or public relations


• 8+ years’ experience in communications, media, marketing, public relations or a related field


• Proven success leading communications across complex programs


• Track record of delivering communications strategies with measurable outcomes


• Experience developing government engagement strategies or managing government/ministerial relations, ideally in health, research or not-for-profit settings

Please view the position description here.

Any questions? Reach out to Kirsten Perrett at [email protected].

What you’ll enjoy

• Access a range of salary packaging options—covering entertainment, novated leases, and more


• Enjoy a variety of flexible work arrangements


• Play a key role in advancing work at Australia’s largest child health research institute


• Feel supported through our health and wellbeing program, which includes complimentary access to the Employee Assistance Program


• Access a comprehensive paid parental leave program for both birth and non-birthing parents, with support throughout the parenting lifecycle


• Become an active part of our community by joining internal committees and contributing to our inclusive, thriving culture


• Lead high-profile communications that influence research, policy and community outcomes

Who we are

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute envisions a transformative future for child health. Our institute is a hub of impactful scientific breakthroughs, particularly in early interventions, enhanced diagnosis, prevention, and potential cures. We thrive on collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving to address challenging queries in child health. Committed to inclusivity and respect, we foster a positive working environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a proud member of the Australian Network on Disability and a dedicated supporter of Science Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), we uphold principles of equal opportunity and diverse representation.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.   

Apply now!

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

• Your resume


• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment Team at [email protected]. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Applications close: Sunday 26 July 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight time