Jessica Gooch

After joining the Opera House in 2015, Jess worked in several senior communications roles before being appointed Acting Director, Engagement in June 2020, overseeing the marketing, communications and strategic events teams during a time of significant challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a newly created role, Jess leads strategic engagement activities as the Opera House approaches the end of its Decade of Renewal and milestone 50th anniversary year. This includes championing the Opera House’s commitment to the UN Global Goals and to inspiring positive change in areas including: environmental sustainability; diversity, inclusion and belonging; accessibility; reconciliation; and education.

During her career, Jess has worked in London and Sydney with a wide range of businesses, from world-renowned cultural institutions and multinationals to challenger brands. Before joining the Opera House, Jess led communications for TEDxSydney and was instrumental in establishing one of Australia’s fastest-growing independent PR agencies, Fuel Communications, now part of the HerdMSL group. Jess’ work has won awards from the Public Relations Institute of Australia, the B2B Marketing Awards in the UK and the prestigious international Cannes Lions.