• Full-time fixed term until 18 December 2027
• Lead enterprise-wide social and content strategy that engages diverse audiences, builds advocacy and strengthens reputation
• HEO 10 $162,528 plus 17% superannuation

About the opportunity 

The Head of Social Media and Content leads a team of social media and digital content specialists responsible for the University's social media and content strategy and production across domestic and international audiences, advocacy and reputation. The role aligns this work with the Marketing and Communications strategy to support student recruitment and student experience, build advocacy in Australia and overseas, and protect the University's reputation.

The role creates strategy to connect and align activity across the University, leads a community of practice for content creation, and sets the governance and standards for how the University uses social media. It leads major strategic projects, is responsible for how the team operates, and uses audience insights and performance data to guide decisions.

As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will work across a diverse stakeholder landscape to provide strategic guidance on content, public affairs and complex communications matters. This role requires strong judgement, political acumen and the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels while leading a high-performing team through a significant period of strategic focus and delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an integrated content strategy that aligns activity across the University and supports key organisational priorities.
• Lead the University's social media strategy, governance framework and content planning approach across multiple channels.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior stakeholders on issues management, advocacy, public affairs opportunities and emerging risks.
• Foster collaboration across brand, media, communications and specialist teams to ensure content is coordinated, consistent and impactful.
• Manage agency and platform relationships to maximise performance, audience engagement and strategic outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team while cultivating a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About you

• Significant experience leading content, communications, public affairs or related strategic functions within a large and complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and provide strategic advice to senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Strong judgement and political acumen, with experience navigating complex issues and balancing competing stakeholder priorities.
• Proven success developing enterprise-wide content strategies that bring together multiple teams, audiences and organisational priorities.
• Exceptional presentation, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and tailor your approach from specialist teams through to executive leadership.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and managing budgets, agency partnerships and resources to deliver strategic outcomes.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Kristy Fairweather, Recruitment Operations, by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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