Public Relations Manager/Consultant

Fixed Term Full Time or Fixed Term Part Time – up to 12 months

Managers & Administrative Workers Enterprise Agreement 

Grade 4 or Grade 5 (dependent upon skills and qualifications)

$42-$47 per hour (Salary packaging is available)

Do you have a speciality in communications, marketing and event management? Showcase your positive, ambitious and creative personality and become our next PR Superstar!

A rare opportunity has arisen to join the West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG) in the role of Public Relations Manager or Public Relations Consultant.  Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the WGHG’s corporate image through managing WGHG’s communication initiatives.

The successful applicant will promote our services, coordinate fundraising activities and be responsible for managing media and other public enquiries. Ideally we are seeking an experienced Public Relations (PR) Manager, however we also strongly encourage applications from Public Relations (PR) Consultants as an alternative option.

The role’s requirements will be tailored based on the skills and experience of the successful applicant. The PR Manager will oversee and implement the PR/media strategy across WGHG whereas the PR Consultant will provide advice and operational support with regard to media and communications, donor management, event management and marketing activities.

This is fixed term opportunity for 12 months to commence as soon as possible. Full or part time (job share) appointments will be considered and the exact hours will be negotiated with the successful applicant(s). This role will include occasional evening and weekend work to attend fundraising and promotional events.

The classification for the successful applicant(s) will be dependent on their level of experience in public relations, media and project management fields. Further information is contained in the Position Description.

 Our ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in an area such as public relations, marketing or journalism.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or supporting a public relations program, ideally within a health, public sector or community service environment.
• The ability to provide sound advice for dealing with the media and community on a broad range of issues affecting WGHG.
• Strong relationship management experience with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in project and events management.
• High level organisational, communication and computer skills.
• A driver’s license.

IMPORTANT: All staff employed in the healthcare sector are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster and Influenza (unless a valid exemption applies). Evidence of vaccination (or exemption) will be required to be provided prior to commencement.

About our organisation

The West Gippsland Healthcare Group is a growing regional health service, providing acute medical and surgical, obstetric, emergency, residential care and community health services to one of the fastest growing Local Government Areas in the country – Baw Baw Shire. The Hospital cares for approximately 11,600 inpatients, makes nearly 28,000 community visits and sees more than 20,000 emergency presentations each year.

The administrative headquarters is located at West Gippsland Hospital in Warragul. Warragul is a 30-minute drive from Pakenham along the freeway – against the traffic! WGHG are the largest employer in Warragul with a workforce of over 1400 staff and are committed to building on our organisation’s strengths by welcoming people with our shared values of teamwork, respect, accountability and compassion.

We are well aware our hospital is aging but are excited at the news that our new state of the art hospital and public aged care facility is coming. A 23.6-hectare site at Lardners Track in Drouin East was acquired by WGHG for a future hospital back in 2007. The new hospital is set to feature 233-beds and 33 emergency department treatment spaces as well as aged care and an expanded maternity facility.

We pride ourselves on the quality of care that’s delivered by our incredible staff. You won’t find a friendlier, and welcoming team than WGHG. We care for our community because we are the community! The boost in capacity means more patients can be treated faster.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group staff benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements

• Professional development
• Access to employee assistance program
• Salary packaging
• Free parking

Working with us

All appointments with WGHG are subject to the satisfactory return of professional reference checks, a National Police Record Clearance and a current Employee Working with Children Check. All employees must hold current entitlement to work within Australia. A six month probationary period applies to all new appointments.

Further details and how to apply

Applications can be submitted via our recruitment portal (wghg.mercury.com.au) and must include a current resume and cover letter outlining your interest in, and suitability for this role. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide at least 2 professional referees.
If you have any further queries, please contact Dan Weeks, Chief Executive Officer on (03) 5623 0631.

Applications close Sunday 5^th May 2024. Please apply at your earliest convenience, shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date.

As an inclusive employer, committed to improving diversity and equity in our workforce, we encourage applications from all parts of our community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTI people, and people with lived experience of disability.  

As a Child Safe organisation, West Gippsland Healthcare Group promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, including those with disability.