26th July, 2026
Marketing & Communications Manager
- Full-time, ongoing leadership role
- Flexible hybrid / work from home
- Peak professional body for Australian optometrists
Optometry Australia is the peak professional body for optometry in Australia, committed to supporting its members with essential services, resources and advocacy that enable them to thrive in the ever-evolving optometry sector.
The Role Reporting to the Head of Marketing & Communications and leading a small, high-performing team, you'll take management-level ownership of Optometry Australia's communications, media and reputation activity.
You'll shape clear, consistent and high-impact messaging across member, stakeholder, media and public channels, translate complex information into accessible content, and provide confident communications advice that protects and strengthens the reputation of the national peak body. You'll also oversee the delivery of integrated marketing and communications campaigns, and lead and develop your team to produce well-planned, on-brand work.
Key Responsibilities - Lead the communications stream across member, stakeholder, media, public and digital channels, including messaging, content planning and campaign delivery.
- Oversee public relations and media activity, managing incoming media requests and knowing when and how to escalate sensitive, high-risk or reputation-sensitive enquiries.
- Provide senior communications capability across crisis communications, reputation management, media strategy, executive briefing papers and high-level stakeholder communications.
- Monitor media and stakeholder sentiment to identify opportunities, risks and emerging issues, and support the organisation through reputation-sensitive matters.
- Support evidence-based decision-making by identifying trends in member engagement, campaign performance and content effectiveness.
- Manage the delivery of integrated marketing and communications campaigns from brief through to execution, reporting and optimisation.
- Lead, support and develop two direct reports, a Communications Specialist and a Marketing Coordinator, setting clear priorities and maintaining quality, consistency and a collaborative team culture.
Key Selection Criteria Success in this role requires not only strong skills and expertise but also alignment with the core values of Optometry Australia - integrity, respect and teamwork. You are a positive and collaborative leader who contributes to a supportive and dynamic work culture, helping to ensure that the team remains strong and cohesive.
To excel in this role, you should have:
- Proven senior communications experience, including crisis communications, reputation management, media strategy, executive briefing papers and high-level stakeholder communications.
- Demonstrated experience handling media requests, with a sound understanding of the media response landscape, including how to manage, respond to and escalate media enquiries, particularly those of a sensitive or high-risk nature.
- Proven experience leading small teams and projects, with the ability to set clear priorities, coach and provide constructive feedback.
- Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, audience-appropriate content.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver integrated marketing and communications campaign activity across member, stakeholder, media and digital channels.
- Experience with marketing and communications tools, email platforms, CMS, media monitoring and CRM systems.
- A tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, media or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Experience within the health, not-for-profit, peak body or membership sector is an advantage but not essential.
Why Join Optometry Australia? At Optometry Australia, you'll be joining a flexible and supportive team within an organisation that truly values its people. Optometry Australia offers a range of benefits designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being:
- Competitive Salary and Packaging: Access to not-for-profit salary packaging that can increase your take-home pay.
- Flexible Working Environment: Enjoy the option of working remotely or from the Optometry Australia office, with the flexibility to manage your work-life balance.
- Professional Development: Optometry Australia is committed to your growth. Access agreed and appropriate professional development annually, including on-the-job coaching, online webinars, training sessions and face-to-face workshops.
- Extra Leave Benefits: Celebrate your birthday with an additional paid day off and enjoy extra paid leave between Christmas and New Year. Plus, you have the option to work on a public holiday and take another day off in lieu.
- Supportive Team Culture: Be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation and mutual respect. We work together to achieve our goals while supporting each other's success.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead communications for the national peak body for optometry in Australia, while enjoying a range of benefits that support both your career and your life outside of work.
How to Apply If you're passionate about communications, media and making a difference in the health sector, please apply with an up-to-date resume and cover letter, or contact Gabrielle Patterson at Patterson Recruitment on 0416 170 100 for a confidential discussion.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and people of all backgrounds. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences enrich our workplace and drive our success. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we will ensure your needs are met.
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