Head of Strategic and Operational Communications

Head of Strategic and Operational Communications

Help shape communication at a health service that’s reimagining care

Every day, Monash Health delivers care across hospitals, community services and specialist programs, supporting more than 1.2 million residents across south-east Melbourne and providing statewide specialist services in areas including women's, neonatal and paediatric care.

As a leading academic health service, Monash Health combines clinical care, research, education and innovation to improve the lives of the communities we serve.

We are continually evolving how care is delivered through service redesign, digital innovation, major infrastructure investment and new models of care. Clear, effective communication plays a vital role in helping people understand these changes, build trust and stay connected to our purpose.

We're seeking an exceptional communications leader to join our Communication and Engagement team as Head of Strategic and Operational Communications.

This is a rare opportunity to lead communications in a complex and evolving organisation where effective communication helps drive organisational performance, support transformation and improve outcomes for our people, patients and community.

The Opportunity

As Head of Strategic and Operational Communications, you'll work alongside some of Monash Health's most senior leaders to communicate strategic priorities that improve access to care and support better patient outcomes. You'll also support major transformation initiatives and guide the organisation through important operational and reputational moments. In doing so, you'll influence how one of Australia's largest health services connects with its 24,000-strong workforce, stakeholders and community.

Reporting to the Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, you'll lead a high-performing team and serve as a trusted advisor to executives, clinicians and operational leaders across the organisation.

You'll provide expert communication leadership on some of Monash Health's most significant priorities and projects, from behaviour change initiatives that improve patient access and hospital flow to major service transformations, digital change initiatives and organisational change programs.

At other times, you might be developing communication strategies for a major infrastructure project, supporting the introduction of a new model of care, or advising leaders through a significant operational event where clear, calm and timely communication is essential.

Every day, you'll help ensure communication supports better organisational outcomes, while building communication capability and best practice across Monash Health.

What You'll Lead

You'll oversee strategic and operational communications across a diverse and complex organisation, including:

• • Enterprise-wide communication strategy and planning
  • Transformation, service redesign, digital change and major project communications
  • Communications supporting improved patient access, flow and operational performance
  • Major infrastructure, capital works and precinct development communications
  • Communication governance, standards and performance measurement
  • Leadership and development of a high-performing communications team

Who We're Looking For

• • You're an accomplished communications leader with the judgement, credibility and influence to operate confidently in complex environments.
  • You understand how organisations work, how leaders make decisions and how effective communication can improve outcomes, reduce uncertainty and build trust.
  • You thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving complex problems and know how to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

Most importantly, you're a trusted advisor who can help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence and impact.

You will also bring:

• • Extensive senior communications leadership experience

• • Proven success delivering strategic communication and organisational change initiatives
  • Expertise in corporate, strategic and operational communications
  • Experience managing complex, sensitive or high-profile issues
  • Exceptional writing, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
  • Strong strategic judgement and problem-solving capability
  • Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and influence senior leader

Healthcare experience is valuable, but what matters most is your ability to lead communications in a large, complex environment.

Why Join Monash Health?

At Monash Health, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our community while working alongside talented and dedicated professionals.

We offer:

• A senior leadership opportunity within one of Australia's leading health services.
• The chance to influence organisational strategy and drive meaningful change.
• A collaborative and values-driven culture.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Salary packaging available to help you maximise your take-home pay
• Competitive remuneration and employee benefits.

Ready to Lead the Conversation?

If you're an experienced communications leader looking for a role where strategy meets action, influence meets impact and every day brings a new opportunity to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Monash Health and help shape the stories, conversations and connections that support better healthcare for our community.

For a confidential discussion and to explore this opportunity further, please reach out to Charles Morton at Charles.Morton@monashhealth.org

To view the Position Description click the link below 

Our Culture and Values 

At Monash Health, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our culture is inclusive, supportive and future-focused, underpinned by clear values and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

Our  teams play a critical role in bringing our new strategy to life, challenging traditional approaches, embracing innovation, and ensuring every appointment reflects our commitment to equity, transparency and excellence. 

You’ll be encouraged to share ideas, contribute to improvement initiatives, and grow alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. 

We are Full Hearted, Open Minded and All In, enabling excellent service delivery and a positive candidate and employee experience every time. 

We recognise the value of equal employment opportunity. We are committed to patient safety, promoting fairness, equity and diversity in the workplace and to Child Safe Standards.  

Keen to Join Us? 

Applications are accepted via the Monash Health online EHub system. For information including how to apply and probity check requirements, please click here for the ‘Application Guide’

Applications will be screened upon receipt and selection activity may commence prior to the closing date. 

Applications close:  29th October 2026