About The Team

The Communication and Digital Platforms Lead is a key member of the National Soils Education Opportunity (NESO) Leadership Team, leading the delivery of national communication, engagement, and digital platform initiatives. Based at Murdoch University within the Soilwest team, the role reports to the SoilsWest Director and NSEO National Lead, Associate Professor Frances Hoyle.

Working closely with the NSEO team and stakeholder networks, the position co-develops and deliver high-quality communication, education, and engagement activities that connect government, industry, research, and education partners to emerging soil science, capability-building opportunities, and industry priorities.

Murdoch University partners with the University of New England (Nothern Node), the University of Adelade (Southern Node), and the University of Western Australia (National WP4) to deliver a coordinated national program. Murdoch leads overall coordination, communications, and administration, while regional nodes deliver locally tailored activities aligned with national priorities.

Your New Role!

The Communication and Digital Platforms Lead at Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute (SoilsWest) is a key member of the project leadership team, responsible for national project communication, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of the National Soils Education Opportunity digital platforms co-investment with GRDC.

The role oversees end-to-end development and management of national digital platforms and communication assets, including content governance, co-design, build, maintenance, and technical upkeep. It also drives both strategic and hands-on delivery, translating soil science into accessible resources for industry, educators, students, and advisors.

Working closely with industry, research partners, and regional nodes, the position leads communication and engagement strategies to enhance awareness, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and increase the translational impact of soil science across the grains sector.

The role also ensures the delivery of high-impact digital education resources aligned to stakeholder needs, supports monitoring and evaluation, and coordinates national outreach to maximise long-term adoption and legacy outcomes.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Develop and deliver national communication and engagement plans aligned to program objectives, industry priorities, and stakeholder needs, while building strong relationships across government, industry, research, and community groups
• Coordinate the creation of high-quality communication and education resources, manage outreach and partnerships to expand reach and adoption, and translate soil science for diverse audiences
• Lead the development and maintenance of digital platforms and content, support student ambassadors, and monitor, evaluate, and report on communication effectiveness to drive continuous improvement

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (2 Years 5 Months) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $114,385 – $130,908 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in science communication, digital media, agriculture, education, IT, or related field
• Proven experience designing, delivering, and evaluating communication and engagement plans in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships across industry, government, research and community sectors
• Experience developing and managing digital platforms, including hands-on content creation and basic CMS/web skills
• Ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences, monitor and report on outcomes, and operate at a senior level with autonomy and mentoring responsibilities

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Fran Hoyle, Associate Professor Industry Engagement for Research and Teaching Networks in Agriculture, fran.hoyle@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR105324 as the reference.

Applications Close on 07 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.