📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head, Corporate Communications
🔹 Company: Federation University Australia HK Programs
🔹 Location: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Mt Helen or Berwick Campus)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing the development and execution of strategic communication activities for Federation University.
- Leading and managing the Corporate Communications and Events team across all University campuses.
- Providing oversight of the Corporate Communications strategic direction and key capabilities.
- Identifying and developing compelling communication strategies and recommendations.
- Maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders including VCST, government, and external media.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage the Corporate Communications team and maintain key stakeholder relationships.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide oversight of the Corporate Communications strategic direction and key capabilities.
✅ Identify and develop compelling communication strategies and recommendations.
✅ Provide strategic communications advice and development of communications materials for the Vice-Chancellor.
✅ Maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders including VCST, government, and external media.
✅ Manage the Corporate Communications and Events team across all University campuses.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to manage the team and maintain key stakeholder relationships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience: Demonstrated extensive experience (5-10 years) in public relations and communication.
Required Skills:
- Exemplary professional communications writing skills.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Strong people skills, including the ability to negotiate and consult with a diverse range of people.
- Experience in political sensitivities and the proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects within tight timelines.
- Experience in a range of media and social media platforms.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the higher education sector.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the higher education sector and bilingual/multilingual skills may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is AU$120,000 - AU$140,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards for similar roles in the higher education sector in Australia.
Benefits:
- Attractive remuneration package.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Generous superannuation contributions.
- Flexible work arrangements.
Working Hours: Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 5 years. Regular travel between campuses will be required.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Federation University Australia HK Programs operates in the higher education industry, with a focus on providing lifelong learning, skills, and research locally, regionally, and globally.
Company Size: With around 23,000 international and domestic students, Federation University Australia HK Programs is a mid-sized higher education institution.
Founded: The University has a history of providing tertiary education for over 144 years and is funded by the Australian Government.
Company Description:
- Federation University Australia HK Programs is the culmination of the former University of Ballarat and the Gippsland Campus of Monash University.
- The University offers a range of professional degree programs in Australia and through partner institutes across the world.
- FedUni is ranked number one university in Australia for First Generation Student Enrolments and has top rankings in Victoria around student support, social equity, skills, and employment.
Company Specialties:
- Higher education and research.
- Student support and social equity.
- Skills and employment pathways.
Company Website: http://www.feduni.edu.hk
ASSUMPTION: Federation University Australia HK Programs is committed to providing quality education and supporting its students in achieving their academic and career goals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Director, Marketing and Growth.
Reporting Structure: The Head, Corporate Communications will lead and manage the Corporate Communications and Events team across all University campuses.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role, with regular travel between the Mt Helen and Berwick campuses required.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the University, such as Director, Marketing and Growth.
- Expanding the scope of the Corporate Communications team and its impact on the University's reputation and growth.
- Developing and implementing innovative communication strategies that enhance the University's brand and student experience.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the higher education sector.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The primary office location is at the Mt Helen Campus, with regular travel required to the Berwick Campus.
Office Location(s): Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, and Berwick Campus, Berwick.
Geographic Context:
- The Mt Helen Campus is located in the regional city of Ballarat, approximately 100 kilometers west of Melbourne.
- The Berwick Campus is located in the outer southeastern suburbs of Melbourne.
- Both campuses offer a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for working outside of regular business hours as required.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Federation University Australia HK Programs is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screening with the Recruitment team.
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders.
- Reference checks and background verification.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and strategic thinking.
- Leadership and team management abilities.
- Understanding of the higher education sector and relevant trends.
- Cultural fit and alignment with the University's values.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare examples of your communication strategies and their impact in previous roles.
- Research the University and its values to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing multiple tasks and projects within tight timelines.
ATS Keywords: Strategic communication, public relations, stakeholder management, team leadership, higher education, communication strategy, media relations, event management.
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills through their resume, cover letter, and interview responses.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook).
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24).
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal).
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the communications and public relations industry.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity.
- Respect.
- Excellence.
- Innovation.
- Collaboration.
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Supportive and inclusive culture.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with the University's values, particularly integrity and excellence?
- How do you approach working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork?
- What strategies do you have for maintaining confidentiality and navigating political sensitivities in your role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with the University's values and work style will be well-suited to this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple tasks and projects within tight timelines.
- Navigating political sensitivities and maintaining confidentiality.
- Balancing the needs and priorities of various stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor, VCST, government, and external media.
- Regular travel between campuses, which may require flexibility in working hours.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be effectively managed by a candidate with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to negotiate and consult with a diverse range of people.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Director of Communications or Head of Public Relations in a higher education institution or a large corporation.
- However, this role is unique in its focus on strategic communications for a university, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder management and event management.
- Career progression in this role could lead to a more senior position within the University, such as Vice-Chancellor or Provost.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in similar roles in the higher education sector or corporate communications may find this role to be a good fit for their skills and career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for a major University event or initiative.
- Managing media relations and securing coverage for the University in local, national, and international media outlets.
- Creating and distributing engaging content (e.g., press releases, social media posts, blog articles) that highlights the University's achievements and impact.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of tasks and responsibilities that the Head, Corporate Communications may be expected to perform in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the University's overall strategic plan and vision for the future?
- What are the key priorities for the Corporate Communications and Events team in the first 90 days of this role?
- How does the University support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the University's approach to managing multiple tasks and projects within tight timelines?
- How does the University navigate political sensitivities and maintain confidentiality in its communications?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the University's strategic priorities, work environment, and support for employee growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link by Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare examples of your communication strategies and their impact in previous roles.
- Research the University and its values to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission.
- Follow up with the Recruitment team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
