Lead, Strategic Communications, Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL)

Full-time, permanent. Work from home in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand

CAUL is seeking a highly motivated communications expert to develop and implement a bold, strategic communications agenda that elevates the voice of academic libraries across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll lead the creation of compelling content, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and contribute to policy development and media engagement to enhance CAUL’s visibility and impact.

As Lead, Strategic Communications, you’ll be responsible for building and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that reflects CAUL’s mission and priorities. You’ll lead content development across all platforms, manage media and public relations, and engage stakeholders with timely, impactful messaging. This role will suit a confident writer and content creator who can translate complex issues into clear, persuasive communications and ensure CAUL’s voice is consistent, visible, and valued across sectors.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the development and delivery of CAUL’s internal and external communications aligned with brand and strategic priorities

· Manage website and social media channels, creating and curating engaging content that reflects CAUL’s voice and mission

· Draft media releases, public statements, and promotional content that connect CAUL’s work to broader policy and public discourse

· Build strong relationships with stakeholders, media, and sector partners to increase engagement and amplify CAUL’s influence

· Support policy development and advocacy initiatives through strategic communication, research, and contribution to submissions

· Design and produce high-quality publications and digital assets that maintain brand integrity across all communication channels

About You

You’re a confident and strategic communicator with a background in communications, public relations, or a related field, and experience that spans content creation, media engagement, and digital communications. You have excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging messages tailored to diverse audiences. Your work is grounded in strong research and analytical skills, and you bring sound judgement to positioning issues for public or policy impact.

You’re comfortable working independently in a virtual team environment and bring a collaborative, values-driven approach to your work. Your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders enhances organisational visibility and influence.

An understanding of academic libraries or experience in a member-based organisation will be highly regarded.

Applicants must be permanent residents of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

What we offer

• Permanent role working 35 hours a week from anywhere in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand

• $120,000 AUD p.a. plus generous 17% employer superannuation contribution

• Excellent leave provisions including four weeks annual leave plus Christmas shutdown days

• Collaborative and supportive virtual team environment

• Commitment to professional growth and learning opportunities

• Impactful work contributing to the university library sector

• Home office set up provided, including furniture and equipment

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, a related discipline or equivalent workplace experience

2. Solid research skills, including the ability to perform robust desktop reviews, analyse and draw insights from data

3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills as applied to policy papers, reports, submissions and briefs

4. Experience managing organisational websites, social media, and newsletters with confidence in using relevant tools and platforms to produce final content in-house that aligns with brand and purpose

5. Demonstrated experience supporting policy and advocacy processes, and success in positioning messages for public or policy impact

6. Proven track record in building relationships with media, communications leads, and diverse stakeholder groups to amplify stories and drive sector influence

7. Ability to work productively as part of a distributed virtual team, contribute to positive team culture and reflect the values of CAUL

Desirable

1. Understanding of the issues affecting academic libraries in Australasia and their role in the higher education landscape of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

2. Experience with member-based organisations or associations

Recruitment Process

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing their eligibility for the role against the selection criteria. The letter should include specific examples that demonstrate their skills, experience, and performance relevant to the criteria. In addition, a current CV must be provided.

For more information, contact Jane Angel, CEO, [email protected]