Senior Communications Manager

Job Status:

Full Time, Parental Leave Cover (13 months)

Salary:

Base salary of $128,829 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Applications Close:

Wednesday 12th August 2026 at 11:55pm

Role Enquires:

recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com

Online Application Support:

Frequently Asked Questions
Link

An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected.

THE HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2026, our ambition is to be Everyone’s House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care):

• Everyone feels welcome here.
• We better understand and connect with the community.
• We are future ready.
• We lead and inspire positive change.

For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website
Link.

YOUR NEW ROLE

The Senior Communications Manager leads the development and delivery of strategic external communications for Sydney Opera House Presents (SOHP), the Opera House’s internal programming arm. The role is responsible for shaping and executing communications campaigns and narratives that drive audience engagement, enhance the Opera House’s profile as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, and support its artistic, commercial and community objectives.

Reporting to the General Manager, External Communications, the Senior Communications Manager is a creative communications leader who provides trusted strategic counsel across the organisation. Through compelling storytelling, proactive media engagement and reputation management, the role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality communications outcomes aligned with organisational priorities.

The role leads and develops two Communications Managers, as well as overseeing relationships with external communications agencies, contractors and suppliers as required.

Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description
Link.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

To be successful you will need to demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in communications, media and public relations, with a proven track record of delivering strategic communication outcomes.
• Accomplished senior communications leader with strong organisational, leadership and project management skills, experienced in developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success in designing and delivering high-impact campaigns and communication strategies, supported by extensive media networks and stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple channels.
• Strong understanding of the performing arts and tourism sectors, combined with excellent analytical skills to manage emerging issues, protect organisational reputation and deliver strategic advice.

THE PERKS

The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

• 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
• 5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
• Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
• Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
• Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
• Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
• Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
• Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  Link and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all.
• Complimentary tickets to shows.
• And many more!

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us as recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com to discuss. Even if you think you’d be a great fit, but don’t necessarily tick every box in the role description, please get in touch.

We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community.

NEED TO WORK FLEXIBLY?

We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best.

SOUND LIKE YOU? APPLY NOW

Please submit your cover letter and CV via our online portal. In addition you will be prompted to answer the two following targeted questions in the online application platform. Please note a 2000-character limit (or half an A4 page) for the targeted questions.

• Tell us about a time a senior stakeholder held a strong view that conflicted with your team’s strategy or approach. What resistance did you encounter and how did you navigate that while supporting your team?
• Describe a complex, time-sensitive media or reputational issue you’ve managed. How did you coordinate the response and what was the outcome for the organisation?

To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment. The assessment seeks information only relevant to performing the inherent requirements of the job, it remains strictly confidential and applicants will be informed of the result.

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan
Link.

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.