Head of Communications & Stakeholder Relations

Location: melbourne
Salary: Base Salary + Superannuation
Job Type: permanent
Contact: Lauren Madden
About us
From global spectacles to once in a lifetime performances, Melbourne Park is where sport, entertainment, culture and community come to life. Our precinct welcomes millions of guests each year, and we show up for every one of them. Behind every experience is a team operating at pace and with purpose, working together to create the unforgettable.

As Melbourne Park continues to evolve into a connected, year-round destination for live experiences, we're investing in new capability to strengthen how we engage with audiences, stakeholders and the wider community.

About the role
As part of this investment, we're seeking an experienced communications leader to join Melbourne Park as Head of Communications & Stakeholder Relations.

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, you'll lead the Communications and Stakeholder Relations function, overseeing corporate communications, media, stakeholder engagement and government relations to deliver organisational priorities and strengthen Melbourne Park’s reputation.

This is a broad leadership opportunity that combines strategic thinking with hands-on leadership across a complex and highly visible operating environment.

In this role, you will:
  • Lead Melbourne Park's operational Communications function and a multidisciplinary team.
  • Lead the planning and delivery of integrated communications programs that advance organisational priorities.
  • Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on strategic communications and organisational priorities.
  • Strengthen government, stakeholder and community engagement across a diverse range of audiences.
  • Lead executive communications, reputation management and issues management.
  • Help shape the future capability, governance and maturity of the Communications function.
  • Shape and lead communications and stakeholder engagement strategies that advance Melbourne Park’s long-term strategic objectives.


About you
You're equally comfortable influencing at Executive level as you are leading teams, navigating complex stakeholder environments and delivering high-quality communications outcomes.

You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy bringing clarity to complexity, building trusted relationships and leading teams through a collaborative, pragmatic approach.

You'll bring:
  • Significant experience leading Communications, Corporate Affairs or Stakeholder Engagement functions.
  • Demonstrated success working with executives, government and complex stakeholder groups.
  • Strong experience across corporate communications, reputation management and issues management.
  • Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
  • A collaborative, low-ego leadership style and genuine passion for developing people.

What we offer
To deliver world class events with world class experiences, we believe in creating an environment where our people thrive both professionally and personally.

Joining Melbourne Park means you'll enjoy:
  • Ongoing learning and leadership development opportunities.
  • Hybrid working arrangements.
  • Leadership coaching and development.
  • Generous family and carers leave.
  • Free 24/7 wellbeing support through Sonder.
  • Access to employee ticketing programs.
  • Free onsite parking.
  • Ongoing inclusion and cultural awareness initiatives.


How to apply
Click the APPLY button to submit your application or contact Lauren Madden at Six Degrees Executive on 0480 002 515 or laurenm@sde.com.au for a confidential discussion.
Six Degrees Executive is proud to be the retained recruitment partner for this appointment.

Applications are welcome from Wed 5 August. Following a planned period of leave by the recruitment lead, formal review of applications and candidate discussions will commence from Wed 19 August 2026. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as all applications received during this period will be carefully considered.

Six Degrees Executive acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Apply now