About the organisation

The Coalition of Peaks is a representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations and members who have come together to Close the Gap, in partnership with Australian governments.

We share a belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a meaningful say on policies and programs related to Closing the Gap through formal partnerships with Australian governments at all levels.

The Coalition of Peaks Policy and Secretariat Team supports the work of the Coalition of Peaks, providing high level and comprehensive policy and strategic advice to Peaks Members, to support the implementation and monitoring of actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

About the role

The Assistant Director – Communications plays a key leadership role in delivering high-impact communications, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives to support the objectives of the Coalition of Peaks and the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communications, the Assistant Director will work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and externally with media, member organisations, government stakeholders, and partners.

The role will lead projects that amplify the work of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and elevate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander space more broadly, while maintaining consistent messaging and building greater visibility and influence for the Coalition of Peaks.

A usual day in this role might include developing strategic messages for a major policy announcement, coordinating a media opportunity for a Coalition of Peaks spokesperson, briefing a public relations agency on a campaign to raise awareness of Priority Reforms, or guiding communications capacity-building with a member organisation.

The expectations of the role are similar to those of an Executive Level 1 in the Australian Public Service. It is preferred that the position is based in Canberra, however, remote working will be considered for the right candidate. A small relocation allowance, up to $2,000 may be considered for a successful non-Canberra based candidate who is prepared to relocate. The position will be offered initially as a full-time, non-ongoing role for 18 months with the possibility of further employment at the end of the contract.

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation, the Coalition of Peaks is committed to growing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce in our sector. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for these roles, regardless of your previous experience. The Coalition of Peaks values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, doing and knowing as core skills to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of all positions in our organisation.

Three highlights of working in this role / team

1. Shape national change: Drive high-impact communications that amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, influence policy reform, and help bring the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to life.

2. Work at the heart of community-led advocacy: Collaborate closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, member peaks, media, and government to build visibility, influence, and trust.

3. Be part of a growing, values-driven team: Join a dynamic, culturally safe organisation committed to reshaping how governments and communities work together, with a strong focus on leadership, inclusion, and impact.

To apply

Apply via email to [email protected] or directly through SEEK.

Applicants should review the Position Description (below), which includes further details on the key duties and selection criteria, and submit:

A current CV highlighting your experience and qualifications, including details of at least two referees; and

A one-to-two-page pitch demonstrating why you are the right person for the position; and

Portfolio (if relevant, i.e., examples of your work)

Closing date: Applications must be received by 11.59pm, 3 June 2025.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email at [email protected].

For general information about the Coalition of Peaks visit our website.

What’s on offer

Generous not-for-profit Salary Packaging benefits (up to $18,550)

Job satisfaction including excellent opportunities to grow one’s skills

15% Superannuation

Position Description

The main duties include:

· Implement the strategic communications and media strategy, aligning with the goals of the Coalition of Peaks and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

· Lead proactive media engagement and issues management, providing timely advice and generating positive coverage for the organisation and its members.

· Cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with media outlets, journalists, community stakeholders, and government representatives.

· Develop high-quality editorial and campaign content, including media releases, social media posts, articles, newsletters, talking points, and digital content.

· Coordinate the development of flagship publications, including the Annual Report and Implementation Plan.

· Support Peaks Members in strengthening their communications capacity, including through content collaboration, resource and toolkit development, peer learning support, and facilitation of member networks.

· Maintain and update website editorial content, maintaining accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the Coalition of Peaks’ messaging and strategic priorities.

· Track and analyse media coverage and campaign performance, using data and insights to inform continuous improvement.

· Evaluate communications effectiveness through media monitoring, social analytics, and stakeholder feedback, and apply insights to refine strategies.

· Contribute to a culturally safe, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that reflects the values and aspirations of the Coalition of Peaks.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• High-level cultural competency and demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organisations.

• Demonstrated understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its

implementation.

• Extensive experience in senior communications roles, ideally within Aboriginal affairs,

government, advocacy or the not-for-profit sector.

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategic communications and media

plans, aligned with policy and advocacy goals.

• Proven expertise in media relations and storytelling, including developing strong pitches

and managing issues and crises.

• Exceptional writing and content development skills across multiple formats and

platforms.

• Strong political and media awareness, with sound judgement, initiative and the ability to

translate complex issues into clear messaging.

• Demonstrated project management skills, with a proven ability to manage competing

priorities, tight deadlines, and multiple stakeholders.

• Ability to work collaboratively, lead workstreams, and contribute to a positive and

strategic team culture.

Desirable:

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public policy, media, or a related

discipline.

• Experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, government communications,

or health and social policy is highly desirable.

VALUES, BEHAVIOURS AND CAPABILITIES

Job Specific Capabilities

• Strategic, creative thinker with strong storytelling skills

• Collaborative and respectful team member

• Strong attention to detail and follow-through

• Open, honest, and culturally safe communicator

• Self-motivated, organised, and outcomes-focused

• Calm under pressure and adaptable in dynamic environments

Cultural Awareness

All staff are expected to continuously develop their cultural knowledge and embed culturally

safe practices, with a commitment to the principles of self-determination, truth-telling and

community control.

Leadership

All Coalition of Peaks staff are expected to demonstrate leadership through their behaviour,

decisions and relationships, and uphold our shared vision for a future led by Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander people, in partnership with governments.