The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading scientists and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to advance our understanding of disease, particularly cancer, autoimmunity and genetic disorders.
Garvan is a global leader in fundamental biomedical research and its translation.
Our mission is to make discoveries that will improve health for all.
THE OPPORTUNITY The key purpose and core responsibility of the role is to lead the development of science content initiatives to drive awareness of Garvan, demonstrate its scientific excellence, increase understanding of what it does and grow its reputation.
The Communications Manager will be accountable for implementation of communications, public relations and media activities that relate to Garvan's most impactful research.
Contributing to both internal and external science-based (but consumer-facing) communications, the role involves developing a range of communications and seeking media coverage.
The role also oversees Garvan's Public Engagement program to strategically align activities with research priorities and developments, and to ensure scientific accuracy.
The position holder sits on the Foundation Leadership team and will play a key role in ensuring the Leadership team are aware of upcoming papers and media and can capitalise on these opportunities.
This role will require you to be on site 4 days a week.
Salary: Up to $130,000 + 11.5% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience) Employment Type: Full time permanent SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max.
$15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom) Ample opportunities for on-going training and development Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment Flexible work arrangements e.g.
start / finish times 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave Discounted Health Insurance Lifestyle discounts with our community partners WHAT YOU WILL DO ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position requires a creative communicator, with a background in science and expertise in engaging media.
They must be able to translate ground-breaking and innovative medical research into inspiring content for a range of audiences and with the goal to drive awareness, engagement and support for Garvan.
The key responsibilities include: Leading the Communications team with two direct reports: the Senior Communications Officer and Public Engagement Officer In conjunction with the Head of Marketing and Communications and with the approval of the GRF Director and Board, developing and implementing a communications strategy that aligns with our Strategic Plan 'Accelerating Discovery, Empowering Translation' to raise public awareness Interpreting Garvan discoveries and scientific papers to engage and educate an external consumer audience by: Proactively working with Garvan's research groups and individuals to identify opportunities for stories that will resonate and engage when converted to lay language Building strong relationships across the organisation and particularly with Faculty, and be seen as the 'go to' for researchers with upcoming papers Developing a proactive plan/roadmap of upcoming content by working closely among the researchers to drive an ongoing pipeline of stories born from science Extracting and creating core content that can be used by the broader Marketing and Communications teams and the Foundation team to communicate to their stakeholders and donors Be a sounding board for scientific accuracy on all internal and external facing communications Deliver one monthly episode of the Garvan podcast Medical Minds, in conjunction with our external producer Coordinating and implementing Garvan's internal communications strategy as required.
Supporting internal communications content for the Executive Director and Garvan Leadership Team as required.
Contributing content to Garvan's annual report and other Institute and Foundation publications as required Responsible for knowledge and insight across the broad science landscape globally and the work of other MRIs across Australia Evaluate and define opportunities that leverage our thought leadership position across publications, events, forums and digital platforms in science Contribute to strategic planning and to new communications initiatives Explore innovative ways to proactively promote Garvan's research Create and maintain procedures documents, particularly for the promotion of science papers and for areas of responsibility, as required All staff are required to comply with Garvan's workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan's Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan's number one priority.
ABOUT YOU KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED The key skills and experience required include: A tertiary qualification and/or experience in life sciences or medical sciences, as well as qualification and/or experience in science communication (PhD in medical science highly regarded) Experience in writing and editing a range of material for internal and external audiences Experience in overseeing the preparation of visual and video content for science communication purposes A working knowledge of scientific research and culture and an understanding of research publication A strong track record in effectively communicating complex science to a non-scientific audience Highly motivated to seek out and translate scientific stories High level of initiative to find sources and develop relationships that will enable positive planning of ongoing stories Creative thinker that can translate to lay audiences but also find new and innovative themes and ideas from which to create content The capacity to work rapidly and accurately under pressure and to respond to communications needs that may arise after working hours An ability to complete short timeline tasks and to manage multiple and simultaneous deadlines An ability to work effectively with co-workers as part of a team Experience in a senior role in a medical research institute highly desirable HOW TO APPLY To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role.
We are reviewing applications as they are received.
If you think you're the right person for this role, we'd love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart.
Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.