Communications Manager

Communications Manager

Join Canteen and help change the lives of young people impacted by Cancer.

• Bring your storytelling and media expertise to a leading not-for-profit and love what you do!
• Based in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne (hybrid-working arrangements)
• Permanent, Full-time position
• $120,000 + super and benefits

Our commitment

Cancer doesn’t discriminate and neither do we. We believe that diversity in all its forms is a strength and are committed to working towards being an organisation that is inclusive of all individuals, so we can create a more vibrant and innovative culture. Canteen welcomes people with diverse gender identities, sexualities, intersex variations and from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities. Canteen acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as sovereign custodians of this land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Canteen is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and people of all ages.

About us

Canteen is all about supporting young people and their families affected by cancer. Founded by young cancer patients, we offer programs and resources that truly make a difference for 12-25 year-olds facing their own diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or grieving. Together, we believe our team can create real change!

We are now seeking a Communications Manager who will play a pivotal role in acquiring, growing and retaining one-off supporters. This role offers an opportunity make a real impact within the Marketing and Fundraising team and be part of an organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

About our benefits

We connect, we empower, we challenge, and we are real. These values ground the way we work at Canteen, and underpin a culture that brings people together in an inspiring and positive way. Find out more on our LinkedIn Life Page.

• Base Salary + Superannuation + Not-For-Profit Salary Packaging (up to $18,550 of your salary tax-free).
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave (FTE) + 17.5% leave loading + pay during our annual office closure week.
• Early access to long service leave
• Learning & Development opportunities.

About our role

• The Communications Manager plays a vital role in engaging our communities, telling impactful stories to unlock their generosity and amplifying the messages of the young people impacted by cancer who Canteen supports. You are responsible for building, running, and continuously improving a high-impact communications function — one that strengthens Canteen’s public voice, deepens stakeholder relationships and makes an evidence-based case for sustained investment in Canteen and Youth Cancer Services.
• You will lead one coordinated approach to communications and storytelling across Canteen, and shape how we show supporters the difference their giving makes. By bringing together our experts, impact evidence and approved stories, you will strengthen our donor relationships and grow investment in young people impacted by cancer. You will work with the Head of Marketing & Engagement to contribute to the strategic narrative and provide communications support to the CEO and leadership team through the Head of Marketing & Engagement, and ensure Canteen’s voice is consistent and credible, and is heard in policy conversations, media, with supporters and across the community and health sector.
• You will work directly with clinical experts, young ambassadors, donors, fundraisers, government, and journalists — owning the judgement, and building the relationships and trust that no AI tool can replicate.

About You

• Tertiary education in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or journalism roles; ideally spanning more than one of these fields.
• Demonstrated track record in advocacy communications, government relations, or policy-facing campaigns.
• An eye for a great story and the skill to develop this into impactful communications across multiple channels
• A proactive and positive attitude with a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Warm, compassionate, and friendly approach to supporting our young people.

Applications close on 19 November. If you’re passionate about what you do and are ready to make a difference, apply now. We’ll review applications regularly. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Expectations

To ensure an ongoing commitment to the success of Canteen, all applications must be able to:

• Successfully complete and maintain a current National Police Check and Working with Child Check relevant to the individual’s state jurisdiction.
• Undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment to guarantee the safety of all Canteen’s stakeholders.
• Provide at least two direct referees to ensure a successful reference check is completed.
• Provide relevant copies of professional qualification/s stated on the application.