Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term for 3 years
Faculty: The Faculty of Business and Economics
Department/School: The Mabo Centre
Salary: UoM 9 - $139,693 - $145,339 p.a. plus 17% super

• Shape and deliver a strategic media and communications programme that elevates The Mabo Centre's profile and supports its mission to advance Indigenous rights and self-determination.

• Influence public discourse and contribute meaningfully to Indigenous-led initiatives within a respected national centre of excellence.

• Enjoy a benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Your next career opportunity
Play a pivotal role in shaping and amplifying the voice and influence of The Mabo Centre, a national initiative committed to advancing self-determination and long-term socio-economic outcomes for First Nations landowners. This senior position is entrusted with crafting and executing a communications strategy that honours the Centre's values, enhances its public profile, and deepens engagement with Indigenous communities, government, media, and philanthropic partners. Working in close collaboration with Centre leadership, the National Native Title Council, and the University of Melbourne, you will navigate a complex and evolving media and political landscape to ensure the Centre's work is strategically positioned, clearly articulated, and widely understood. This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Indigenous justice and agreement-making through compelling storytelling, respectful dialogue, and informed public discourse.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and leading the Centre's media and communications strategy, advising leadership on culturally informed approaches, and aligning messaging with broader University objectives.

• Managing and enhancing media relations by building trusted relationships with journalists, preparing media materials and responses, and serving as the primary contact for high-stakes or crisis communications.

• Overseeing and producing high-quality content across digital and print platforms, including web, social media, publications, and events, while maintaining the Centre's website and governance frameworks for communication channels.

• Engaging and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders across the University, Indigenous communities, government, media, and philanthropy to support aligned campaigns, events, and communications that elevate the Centre's visibility and impact.

You may be a great fit if:
You are a highly perceptive and culturally attuned communicator, adept at navigating complex and sensitive political landscapes with discretion and diplomacy. Your ability to build and maintain genuine, respectful relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, media professionals, and institutional partners will be central to your success. With a strategic mindset and exceptional interpersonal skills, you will work collaboratively yet confidently, demonstrating resilience and sound judgement in high-pressure situations. Your communication style will be both clear and empathetic, enabling you to convey nuanced messages effectively while inspiring trust and fostering mutual understanding across all levels of engagement.

You will also:

• Hold a tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related discipline, complemented by substantial senior-level experience.

• Possess comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous affairs alongside a nuanced understanding of Australia's political and media environments.

• Demonstrate a proven ability to manage both proactive media campaigns and complex, high-pressure reactive communications.

• Have exceptional communication skills, including experience in developing and implementing strategic communications across diverse platforms and stakeholder groups.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team - The Faculty of Business and Economics
The Faculty of Business and Economics [FBE] at the University of Melbourne has been preparing students for exciting and challenging careers in industry since 1924. We have developed an outstanding reputation, locally and internationally, for the quality of our teaching and research. The Faculty has an active board of business leaders, government representatives and community leaders who contribute to the implementation of our vision.
Further information about the Faculty is available at http://www.fbe.unimelb.edu.au

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods. To discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact Bec Tucker - 0416 888 299 or send an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments' to [email protected]. You can find more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments on our Careers website: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring
If you are a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and would like any support, please feel free to contact our Indigenous Employment & Development team via email at [email protected].

Working at the University - what you need to know
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a Working with Children Check The successful candidate can apply for the WWCC as part of the onboarding process. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Join Us and unlock your career potential!
Is this the perfect opportunity for you? Apply today! Including the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Petra Newton via email at [email protected], ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: Sunday 13th July 2025 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: Media and Communications Manager - The Mabo Centre.docx