About The Team
The Marketing and Communications Office is a group of committed professional services staff dedicated to inspiring people to choose Murdoch. Through brand, marketing and communications strategies we enhance the reputation of the University, drive future growth and lead employee communications. The team share the work of Murdoch University’s academics, researchers, staff and students with the Murdoch community, as well as domestic and international audiences.
Your New Role!
Reporting to the Associate Director, Strategic Communications this position is a member of the leadership team in the Marketing & Communications Office (MCO), with a strategic and business focus.
This role develops and leads high-impact media strategies that enhance Murdoch University’s reputation and build awareness of the University’s success stories across research, teaching, learning and engagement.
The Manager Media & Government Relations will proactively develop and maintain positive strategic relationships with local, national, international and education media to share University stories and information and to reflect Murdoch’s priorities, strategies and brand values.
Well-connected into Government, they will leverage their relationships at executive and departmental level to advance the University’s position, build reputation and demonstrate Murdoch University’s value to the community it serves.
Your key responsibilities will include –
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Work with the MCO leadership team to operationalise the University’s marketing and communications strategies through project delivery and enabling processes and systems
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Provide strategic direction to direct reports and project team leads and prioritisation to ensure focus and collaborative team delivery against MCO KPIs and major programs of work
- Develop and lead high-impact media strategies that enhance Murdoch University’s reputation and build awareness of our impact across research, teaching, learning and engagement
- Proactively develop and maintain positive strategic relationships with local, national, international and education media to share University stories and information and to reflect Murdoch’s priorities, strategies and brand values
- Proactively identify media opportunities from both the Academy and Professional Services and pitch these to relevant media, including developing and maintaining an expert database and managing media training
- Work with relevant staff to assess the impact of Commonwealth actions and legislation on Murdoch University and identify potential media / stakeholder engagement opportunities to promote MU’s position and interests via targeted media to the public and key sector stakeholders
Please refer to the
Position Description
for further details.
What We Offer You!
This Continuous, Full Time attracts a competitive remuneration including 17% employer superannuation contributions.
You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Bronze-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the University of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous Knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.
As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:
- Periodic salary increases between 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 4% increase
- Flexible work arrangements
- Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
- Indigenous Language Allowance
- Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
- Employee Assistance Program
- On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic
For further information, check out our
benefits and services page
!
Join us!
Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -
- A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
- Your most recent resume (CV)
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Postgraduate qualifications or extensive relevant experience; ideally 3+ years’ experience in a media relations role within a Ministerial office, government department or government relations team in the private sector
- Extensive proven experience with evidence of continuing professional development in the communications field and tertiary qualification in a relevant field e.g. public relations, journalism, communications or similar
- Demonstrated experience in developing, executing and evaluating media and communication plans and strategies ensuring deadlines, budgets, reporting and corporate priorities are met
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop high performing teams and lead multi-disciplinary project teams
- Demonstrated experience in corporate communications (internal and external) and an ability to build positive, effective media relationships.
Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.
Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
Contact Us
For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Fran Robb, Associate Director Strategic Communications,
fran.robb@murdoch.edu.au
and quote JR104090 as the reference.
Applications Close on 30th July 2025 (11:59pm AWST)
The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.
Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.