Health Workers Union (HWU) · Abbotsford, Australia
Make a real difference in the lives of health workers as the Communications & Campaigns Manager at the Health Workers Union (HWU).
The HWU represents health workers across Victoria — from hospitals and aged care to disability and pathology. We fight for fair pay, safe conditions and respect at work, and strong campaigns and communications are central to how we organise workers, build power and win.
This is a senior communications and campaigning role responsible for shaping how the Union communicates with its members, the media and the broader community. You’ll help develop campaign strategy, shape compelling messages and narratives, drive media engagement and lead a small communications team to deliver high-quality content across digital, print and traditional media.
Working closely with the Secretary, as well as Union leadership, organisers and industrial staff, you’ll turn workplace issues into campaigns that engage members, mobilise workers and influence public debate.
You will have significant responsibility for the Union’s communications, media and campaign messaging, with the opportunity to directly shape HWU’s public voice and the way we communicate with members.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support a small Communications Team, setting priorities, managing workflow and maintaining a high standard of work
Work closely with the Secretary to develop communications, media and campaign strategy
Play a key role in developing and delivering campaign strategy, working closely with organising, industrial and leadership teams
Develop campaign narratives, key messages and communications strategies that engage members and move workers to action
Lead the Union’s media strategy and engagement, including building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers and other media contacts
Identify proactive media opportunities and pitch stories that advance HWU campaigns and the interests of health workers
Draft and edit high-quality media releases, speeches, opinion pieces, campaign materials, member communications, briefings and other written content
Prepare and support the Secretary and other Union spokespeople for interviews, media appearances and public communication
Oversee member communications across email, SMS, social media, website, digital and print channels
Work with Communications Officers and creative staff to translate campaign strategy into strong visual, video and digital content
Ensure HWU maintains a clear, consistent and distinctive public voice
Provide strategic communications and media advice to the Secretary and Union leadership
Monitor campaign and communications performance and continually improve how the Union reaches and mobilises members
Respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues and fast-moving media environments
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an exceptional writer, strategic thinker and experienced communicator who understands that effective union communications are about more than getting a message out — they are about getting people to act.
You should be:
An outstanding writer and editor, capable of producing clear, persuasive and compelling content quickly
A strong strategic thinker who understands campaigns, audiences, narrative and how communications can influence behaviour
Experienced in developing communications that engage and mobilise people around a common goal
Confident working with traditional media, with an understanding of how newsrooms operate and the ability to develop strong relationships with journalists
Able to identify a strong story, find the right angle and turn complex workplace issues into accessible public messages
An effective team leader who can provide direction, feedback and support while maintaining high standards
Comfortable working directly with senior leaders and providing clear, confident strategic advice
Able to exercise sound judgement in sensitive or fast-moving situations
Highly organised and able to manage multiple campaigns and competing priorities
Collaborative and comfortable working closely with organisers, industrial staff, members and workplace leaders
Committed to workers’ rights, fairness and collective action
Helpful Backgrounds
Experience in communications, media, journalism, public relations, campaigning or advocacy would be highly regarded.
Experience within the union movement is valuable but not essential. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong campaign instincts, excellent writing, team leadership and established experience engaging with traditional media.
This role could suit an experienced communications manager, senior media or communications adviser, journalist, campaigner or advocacy professional ready to take significant responsibility for a growing communications function.
What We Offer
Salary of $110,000 – $135,000 + 12% super, depending on skills and experience
Full-time role based in Abbotsford
5 weeks annual leave
Tools of trade and ongoing professional development
The opportunity to lead and develop a small, growing communications team
The opportunity to work closely with the Secretary and senior leadership on major organisational and campaign priorities
A central role in major workplace, industrial and public campaigns
Significant autonomy and the opportunity to directly shape the voice, campaigns and public profile of a growing Union
Next Steps
To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by the closing date.