Communications Manager

Job Status: Full Time, Temporary (12 Month Parental Leave Cover)

Salary: Base salary of $108,188 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Applications Close: Wednesday 7 th October 2026 at 11:55PM

Role Enquires: [email protected]

Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions

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 .

YOUR NEW ROLE

This role is responsible for:

The Communications Manager is responsible for the proactive planning, development and execution of communications activity that supports the achievement of the Opera House’s artistic, commercial and audience goals.

With excellent written and stakeholder management skills, you will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering communications campaigns and developing multi-channel content that drives awareness and engagement for a range of Sydney Opera House Presents (SOHP) shows, projects and initiatives. By identifying and facilitating a targeted forward program of media opportunities and narratives, you will positively shape and enhance the Opera House as a place of extraordinary experiences, connecting with and inspiring a wide range of diverse audiences.

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

ARE YOU THE ONE?

Key Responsibilities/skills:

- 5+ years’ experience in media, communications, PR or related fields.
- Track record of creating campaigns that drive engagement, visibility and impact.
- Confident issues manager with strong strategic and stakeholder advisory skills.
- Expert multitasker who thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
- Exceptional attention to detail, with outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Deep knowledge of the performing arts and cultural sector landscape.
- Collaborative leader with experience mentoring and developing others.
- Strong relationship builder who influences across teams and stakeholders.

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 (https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/our-story/global-goals.html) 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 [email protected] 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 2000 character limit.

- Describe a campaign you’ve led in the arts, cultural or entertainment sector that required you to balance creative ambition with audience, commercial or reputational considerations. How did you approach that balance?
- Tell us about a time you were required to provide strategic communications advice to a senior stakeholder on a complex or sensitive issue. What was your advice, how did you arrive at it and what was the outcome?

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 .

Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.