Melanie James

Melanie James works as a senior lecturer, researcher and consultant in strategic communication and public relations at the university of Newcastle, Australia. Her research interest is primarily focused on strategic positioning in public communication and public relations. She 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. She has won several national and state awards for my communication campaigns, including the PRIA Golden Target Award.

She has published in the area of strategic communication and positioning theory in journals such as The Journal of PR Research, Public Relations Review, Public Relations Inquiry, Asia Pacific Public Relations Journal and PRism. She has authored the chapter on strategy in Public Relations Theory and Practice (Chia & Synnott, 2009, 2012). She is also the author of the books, Public Relations (2006) and Careers@Gov (2007).

Her book (Routledge, UK)on Positioning Theory and Strategic Communication was published in June 2014. Melanie has presented peer reviewed research papers at conferences including International Communication Association, Bledcom PR Research Symposium, Barcelona International PR Meeting and the ANZ Communication Association.

As well as her academic writing she writes fiction from time to time, exploring themes around female sexuality.

Melanie lives in Newcastle, Australia - a fabulous city situated on a beach and a harbour! Her hobbies include volunteering as part of Newcastle Beach Surf Life Saving Club and being a pillion when doign weekend motorbike rides with her husband. You can follow her on Twitter @melanie_james