Head of Communications & Design

🌐 Division: Office of the CEO

📅 Employment Status: Ongoing, Full Time

💼 Classification Level: PL9

📍 Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville

🗓️ Start Date: ASAP

UMSU – Where Passion Meets Purpose

With a living history that extends over 130 years, The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is not just an organisation – it's a vibrant hub where creativity, diversity, and social justice intertwine to offer students of the University of Melbourne an enriching campus experience. We're the voice and heart of the student community, constantly buzzing with activities, events, and initiatives that make campus life unforgettable!

As a non-profit organisation run by students, for students, we keep the arts, representation, advocacy, live music, and cultural services alive on campus.

UMSU enables students to get more out of their time at the University. We provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a wealth of cultural facilities and events, whilst having access to quality support services. At its heart UMSU is committed to ensuring students have advocacy and representation on campus – ensuring student voices are heard while making students’ time at the University fun and enjoyable.

About the role

As the Head of Communication & Design, you will provide expert communications, marketing and design advice and support to UMSU staff and student representative departments. Acting as a key point of contact within UMSU, this position is responsible for leading and supporting UMSU staff and student representatives in the development and implementation of departmental and organisational communication, marketing and design plans and related content. As UMSU’s IT support and key infrastructure are provided by the University of Melbourne, the Head of Communication & Design also oversees UMSU’s website and liaises with University staff as required to ensure UMSU’s cyber and data security, data collection and record-keeping is compliant with relevant policies and legislation.

Importantly, this leadership role provides strategic support and advice to the CEO, President, General Secretary and management team on strategic communications, student feedback mechanism, brand development and member engagement.

Core responsibilities of your role include:

Lead communications activities, brand and reputation management, publishing and promotion, corporate website management, campaign development and delivery, member engagement and an annual Communication and Marketing Plan in collaboration with UMSU staff and student departments.
Provide public relations, crisis communications and strategic communications advice, risk management and support to the CEO and President.
Lead the publishing process for UMSU submissions and reports, including the development of professional templates for content/presentation to external bodies and university committees.
Works collaboratively across all departments to develop annual online strategies and goals relevant to Communications and Design teams, strategic goals and member engagement.
Oversee UMSU’s communications and media training and provide support for UMSU presence in major events, such as orientation and mid-year orientation; review and coordinate content updates including publications and events on the student union website in conjunction with other staff and student representatives.

Your Expertise (Need to Have)

Postgraduate qualifications in marketing, communications and/or public relations and extensive relevant experience; or, an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
Experience in leading and effectively managing the performance, output and development of a marketing, design and communications team, and/or delivering strategic marketing and communications strategies and evaluating their success.
High-level written communication skills including the ability to translate complex content and identify relevant/interesting information into material that can be easily consumed by different audiences.
Inspiring, flexible and adaptable people leader who encourages success of team members – listens to ideas, supports and recognises strengths and coaches improvement as required.
A valid employee Working with Children Check and national police check.

Bonus Points (Nice to Have)

Experience in the higher education sector and/or in student, community and/or membership-based organisations.
Experience in qualitative and quantitative statistical research methods.
Understanding of, and commitment to, principles of student unionism.

Why Join UMSU?

This is more than a job – it's a chance to positively impact the lives of students. At UMSU, you'll be part of a diverse team, working together to foster a thriving, inclusive student community. We value creativity, diversity, and the powerful voice of students in shaping our future.

What’s on Offer

This is a full-time ongoing role (35 hours per week), position with a starting base salary of $109,535.94, plus 12% superannuation
A cause driven workplace with an eclectic culture and flexible approach to our work
True work life balance – check out our benefits which include a 35-hour working week, 5 weeks leave, leave loading of 17.5%
Access to professional development opportunities tailored to you and your career path

How to apply?

If you're excited about supporting student success at the University of Melbourne and have the expertise we're looking for, we want to hear from you!

For more information, you can find the Position Description HERE.

All applications must include:

Resume
A cover letter addressing key selection criteria (found in the position description)

Applications for this position close Sunday 13 May 2025 and should be addressed to recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au.

Additional information

Please note, all applicants will require to hold or obtain a valid Employee working with children check and provide verification of unrestricted working rights in Australia.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please contact us at recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au

UMSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

UMSU acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the land where we operate. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present, and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

UMSU reserves the right to withdraw this position at any stage of the recruitment process.