Head of Communications

Moore Park, New South Wales 2021, Australia • Full-time
AI Job Summary
  • Proven leadership experience in communications, media, or corporate affairs with strong organisational detail.
  • Develop and implement communications/ media strategy across football pillars from grassroots to national teams.
  • Lead crisis communications and collaborate across the business for compelling storytelling.

Role Type

Permanent • Full-time • Mid-level Senior

Description

ABOUT US

Purpose: To lead, promote, unite, develop and regulate football Vision: To unite and elevate Australian football to become a world class, globally respected system to inspire our national, developing excellence at every level Mission: Working with our stakeholders everyday – to build the capability, capacity and capital we need now and in the future – to transform every football dream into reality

To achieve the above, we live by our company values which are:

  • Welcome: Open doors, open minds, open hearts – and respect
  • Ready: Always ready, Always ahead
  • Connect: Together, united
  • Excel: Our best, every day in every way
  • Protect: Guarding the game, Securing the future

WHAT WE OFFER

At Football Australia we want to look after our people and below are just some of the many benefits of joining our team:

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Birthday Leave
  • Study Leave
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle leave
  • Paid Parental leave in addition to statutory government offering
  • Volunteer leave
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Partner discounts
  • Workplace Banking Program
  • Social activities such as 5-a-side futsal

 

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

  • The Head of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a compelling media and communications agenda for the football pillars across all levels – from grassroots to national teams. This role ensures Football Australia’s narrative architecture and messaging is consistent, engaging, and reflective of our strategic priorities, helping to differentiate our brand in a competitive sporting landscape.
  • This role will require frequent travel both domestically and internationally.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

  • Develop and deliver Football Australia’s communications and media strategy
  • Build the profile and reputation of Football Australia’s teams, competitions, players, and coaches
  • Lead crisis communications and collaborate across the business to deliver compelling storytelling.

Media Operations & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Lead media and communications activities for national teams, competitions, and major events.
  • Manage executive, stakeholder, and organisational communications to ensure consistent messaging.
  • Build strong relationships with media, broadcast partners, and key football stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team.
  • Provide media training and communications support to players, coaches, and officials.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee media operations, budgets, governance, and accreditation processes.
  • Monitor media, industry, and social trends to inform communications strategies.
  • Ensure communications activities align with organisational standards, policies, and brand guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Proven leadership experience in communications, media, or corporate affairs, with exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong understanding of the Australian football landscape and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Extensive media industry knowledge and established relationships across broadcast, print, digital, government, and key stakeholder networks.
  • Outstanding written, verbal, and stakeholder communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Confident spokesperson with experience representing organisations in media, stakeholder, and public-facing environments.

Desirable

  • Experience in a senior communications or media role within sport or a high-profile organisation.
  • Understanding of Football Australia’s vision, strategy, and the broader sporting landscape.
  • Experience leading reputation management, crisis communications, and large-scale communications campaigns.

Please note: To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter. Applications close at 4:00pm on Friday, 11 September; however, we encourage you to apply early as Football Australia may commence the recruitment process and close applications ahead of the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.