Introduction
This application checklist is for the Head of Communications role with The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. The strongest application will connect your evidence to the work the role must deliver, rather than relying on broad claims about communication, leadership or analysis.
The vacancy closes Midnight Wednesday 7 October 2026 (employer wording). View the official job ad before submitting because the employer may update the form or supporting documents.
Head of Communications role snapshot
| Role | Head of Communications |
|---|---|
| Organisation | The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network |
| Location | Westmead |
| Employment | Temporary full-time until 30 June 2029 |
| Salary or grade | $153,559–$182,954 plus superannuation, leave loading and salary packaging |
| Job ID | 601497 |
| Closing date | Midnight Wednesday 7 October 2026 (employer wording) |
| Official vacancy | View the official job ad |
Application requirements for Head of Communications
Prepare the items below, then check the application form for any additional fields or current instructions.
- Résumé, maximum five pages
- Responses to the eight questions listed in the application
What to highlight for Head of Communications
Lead NCIRS communication, engagement and reputation strategy across health, research, government and community audiences, while advising executives and developing a multidisciplinary team. Choose examples that make your own judgement, actions and results clear.
| Evidence area | How to demonstrate it |
|---|---|
| Strategic communication leadership | Use a program where communication strategy changed understanding, behaviour or confidence, and show the outcome. |
| Executive advice and reputation risk | Explain the issue, options, advice and decision in a sensitive health, research or government setting. |
| Integrated programs and partnerships | Show how you aligned internal and external communication across diverse senior stakeholders. |
| Team leadership | Give evidence of workforce planning, capability development, performance management and continuous improvement. |
Example application structure
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Opening | Name the Head of Communications role and give a concise fit statement linked to its main purpose. |
| Core examples | Use two or three specific examples. Explain the context, your responsibility, the choices you made and the measurable or observable result. |
| Role requirements | Address the mandatory conditions and the work-specific capabilities directly. Do not leave the panel to infer them. |
| Closing | Confirm your fit, availability and interest without repeating the opening paragraph. |
Questions or criteria to prepare
- Qualifications or extensive relevant leadership experience
- High-level communication advice to executives
- Negotiation, influence and strategic partnerships
- Integrated internal and external communication programs
- Issues, communication risk and reputation management
- Competing priorities, governance and reporting
- Leadership of multidisciplinary teams
- Quality and patient safety in clinical research
Before you submit
Check the page limits, question wording, file names and portal fields. Confirm the closing time and your eligibility, then return to the official vacancy to submit.
Help with your Head of Communications application
If you want another pair of eyes on your evidence and document structure, request application help from Team 3Thirty. We can help you make your genuine experience clear for this specific role.