Communications and Outreach Officer

• Based at our Queenscliff Marine Centre + hybrid work arrangements
• Part-time 0.6 FTE and fixed-term for 12-months (role may be extended upon further funding)
• $100,128 - $108,130 HEW 6 + 17% Superannuation

Why This Role Matters

The Toad Containment Zone (TCZ) is a nationally significant, community-driven conservation initiative designed to stop invasive cane toads before they reach the Pilbara in Western Australia. It will protect 27 million hectares of sensitive habitat, significant Aboriginal cultural heritage, and a trove of native Australian animals from population decline. The TCZ will create a landscape-scale ‘toad-break’ on coastal Karajarri and Nyangumarta country where the Great Sandy Desert meets the ocean.

At Deakin, you'll play a key role in sharing the impact of the TCZ project. Working closely with scientists, Traditional Owners, industry partners and communities, you'll help translate science into accessible, engaging communications that inform, inspire and build support for a more sustainable future.

This role is fixed-term for 12-months however may be extended upon further funding. Please note this role is primarily based at Queenscliff (VIC), however applications from candidates located in Melbourne, Perth or Broome (WA) will be considered.

What This Role Offers

• The opportunity to work on a nationally significant conservation initiative with tangible environmental impact.
• Variety and autonomy across digital communications, media, stakeholder engagement and outreach activities.
• Opportunities to travel to remote Western Australia, experience field-based conservation work and attend industry conferences and events.
• Collaboration with leading researchers, Traditional Owners, industry partners and government stakeholders.

What You'll Do

The success of the TCZ relies on more than groundbreaking science. It depends on people understanding, supporting and championing the project.

As our Communications and Outreach Senior Officer, you'll help connect diverse audiences with the activities, outcomes and partnerships driving this ambitious conservation effort. In this role, you'll:

• Provide specialist support for the delivery of outreach and science communication activities that showcase conservation outcomes and project achievements for the TCZ.
• Build strong relationships with researchers, Traditional Owners, government agencies, industry partners and community stakeholders.
• Identify emerging opportunities to strengthen audience engagement and improve communication effectiveness.   

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Degree with subsequent relevant experience in Communication (Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing or related fields) or Environmental Studies; or extensive experience and specialist knowledge; or equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training

• Related experience translating science into engaging written, oral, visual, or social media outputs using contemporary design, animation and media software and/or knowledge in technical or administrative fields
• Demonstrated experience and ability to build productive stakeholder relationships, provide professional advice and deliver outcomes across business, industry, government or community sectors

Special Requirements: 

• Infrequent work outside business hours may be required (e.g., work at evening or weekend events).
• Infrequent travel may be required for 1-2 week long field trips to remote Western Australia, and travel domestically to attend conferences, events and to represent the University.

Here's how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience. 

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Prof. Tim Dempster at **********@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 PD - Senior Officer, Outreach & Communications_583704.pdf

Applications for this position close on Monday 31st of August at 11.55pm.

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process.  A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence.  A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.