Senior Media Manager Strategy and Campaigns

Date: 28 Apr 2026

Search suburb or city: West Melbourne, VIC, AU, 3003 Perth, WA, AU, 6000 Kelvin Grove, QLD, AU, 4059 Alexandria, NSW, AU, 2015

Company: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

  • Senior PR and media leadership role shaping earned media strategy and national campaigns  
  • Salary between 145-160k base + Super + Salary packaging 
  • Permanent, full-time/part time position with flexible location  

 

Discover life-giving possibilities   

 

Lifeblood is more than just a job or a career, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that matters. As an organisation, our purpose is simple: to give life. Together, we want to help you build a fulfilling career with Lifeblood. 

 

About the Role 

 

We are seeking an experienced Senior Media Manager, Strategy and Campaigns to join our National Media and CEO Communications team. Reporting to the National Media Director, the role acts as 2IC, providing leadership support, continuity and senior decision‑making in fast‑moving environments. You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering proactive, high‑impact media strategies and campaigns that build public awareness of Lifeblood’s work and protect and promote our reputation.  

You will partner closely with marketing, executive leaders and teams across the organisation to shape and deliver earned‑media approaches aligned to campaigns, corporate priorities and issues management. You’re able to prioritise deadlines across a large organisation with exceptional judgement, alongside the ability to balance multiple internal and external stakeholders.  

 

Key Responsibilities 

 

  • Lead the development and delivery of earned media strategies and proactive campaigns aligned to Lifeblood’s purpose and objectives 
  • Partner with Marketing to integrate earned media with paid, owned and internal communications for maximum impact 
  • Act as a senior media spokesperson and provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with national media, government and health sector stakeholders 
  • Manage media enquiries, write high‑quality media materials, and support out‑of‑hours and crisis response as required 
  • Provide media training, guidance and preparedness support to senior leaders and executives 
  • Lead through influence, mentoring and supporting a high‑performing media team
  • Step in for the National Media Director as required 

 

Sound interesting? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

 

  • Extensive experience in public relations, media relations or journalism, with proven capability in a senior media or communications role, successfully leading and delivering earned media and campaign‑based strategies 
  • Tertiary qualifications in journalism, communications or public relations  
  • Impeccable news sense, deep understanding of traditional and new media, and exceptional writing skills, with a creative flair for generating campaign ideas and fresh angles that earn cut-through coverage.
  • Strong experience advising CEOs and executive stakeholders in complex environments using sound judgement, diplomacy and influence to align perspectives and progress outcome
  • Highly developed stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust quickly, navigate sensitivities and balance competing priorities across internal teams, agencies and external stakeholders
  • Experience managing PR agencies and partnering closely with marketing teams
  • Strong understanding of government and/or not-for-profit environments, with demonstrated experience navigating governance, approvals and sensitivities with a pragmatic, can-do approach.
  • Demonstrated leadership capability, including leading through influence

 

Wellbeing & Benefits

 

We place our employee's well-being at the forefront and express gratitude and care for one another. As an Australian Workplace Equality Index recognised employer and one of Australia’s menopause-friendly organisations, we celebrate diversity and support all our people.

In addition to being a part of an organisation that is the heartbeat of the Nation, you will have access to the following: 

  • Ability to purchase additional annual leave 
  • Access to salary packaging with an option to package up to $15,900 for living expenses and $2,650 for meals and entertainment 
  • 14 weeks paid parental leave - no waiting period for either parent 
  • Our dedicated employee assistance program - Sonder that you can access 24/7 from an app on your phone 
  • Plus, many more! 

 

Excited about this opportunity and meet the criteria of the role? Apply now and discover a career filled with life-giving possibilities.

 

Next steps 

 

When it comes to recruitment we like to move fast, this means we progress suitable candidates through the hiring process as soon as we can. 

 

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. You’ll hear from us with an outcome after your application has been reviewed and assessed.

 

If selected, you’ll be required to complete a few background checks and we’ll help you through this process.

 

If you require any adjustments to feel more supported during our recruitment process, please reach out to us.  

 

For information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Svet on SSubotic@redcrossblood.org.au

 

**Please note we cannot accept applications via email so please apply online  

 

This vacancy is being managed directly by Lifeblood’s Talent Acquisition team. We won’t accept candidates from external recruitment agencies on this occasion.