I work as a senior lecturer, researcher and consultant in strategic communication and public relations. My PhD research resulted in the development of a framework for intentional positioning in strategic communication/public relations.
I joined the School of Design, Communication and IT at the University of Newcastle (UoN), Australia, in 2006. Prior to this I worked as a consultant and in senior communication management roles in government (Australian Greenhouse Office, Australian Electoral Commission, Australian Bureau of Statistics), health and financial services sectors. I have won several national and state awards for my communication campaigns, including the PRIA Golden Target Award.
I am part of a new communication social research program within the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources at the University of Newcastle.
I have published in the area of strategic communication and positioning theory in journals such as The Journal of PR Research, Public Relations Review, Asia Pacific Public Relations Journal and PRism. I have authored the chapter on strategy in Public Relations Theory and Practice (Chia & Synnott, 2009, 2012). I am also the author of the books, Public Relations (2006) and Careers@Gov (2007). I am commissioned by Routledge to write a book on strategic positioning in public relations.
I am currently primary supervisor of two PhD candidates, one M.Phil candidate and am co-supervising two other PhD candidates. I also supervises honours years students in communication and public relations research projects each year.
Employment history and educational qualifications can be found here (opens in new window)
I live in Newcastle, Australia – a fabulous city situated on a beach and a harbour! You can follow me on Twitter @melanie_james
Header photo credit: Jennifer Ho/Image Painting: Stephen James
