Engagement and Communications Officer, First Nations

About The Team

The Office of First Nations is a dedicated and collaborative team committed to supporting First Nations students at Murdoch University. The team delivers access pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to engage in university study and works closely together to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students throughout their academic journey.

With a strong focus on partnership and community, the team leads initiatives that enhance recruitment, retention and student success, contributing to improved educational outcomes for First Nations students and their communities.

Your New Role!

This position is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position. Pursuant to a Section 50 (d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, only suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates will be considered.

The Engagement and Communications Officer, First Nations is responsible for delivering culturally appropriate communications and engagement initiatives that support the Pro Vice Chancellor, First Nations portfolio.

This role builds and maintains effective relationships with First Nations communities and prospective students, contributing to increased awareness, participation and positive engagement with Murdoch University. Working with a high level of autonomy, the position supports communication strategies and outreach activities aligned with university and community priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering culturally appropriate communications and materials to support community-led outreach initiatives
• Coordinating messaging, communications, and storytelling to promote First Nations programs, pathways, and initiatives
• Supporting the promotion of key outreach and community events (e.g. Birak, Deadly Dreaming)
• Managing the procurement, inventory, and distribution of engagement uniforms, merchandise, and branded materials
• Collaborating with the Engagement and Outreach Lead and School Relationships Officer to support coordinated engagement activities

Please refer to the First Nations Inclusion at Murdoch University and Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous| Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $91K – $98K (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:

• Relevant qualification or experience in community engagement, communications, marketing or a related field
• Experience in community engagement with a strong understanding of culturally appropriate engagement practices, including respect storytelling and communication with diverse communities.
• Ability to coordinate communications and/or events across varied audiences
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging content
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective stakeholder relationships

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check and have a valid working with children check or the ability to register for one in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

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 Rebekah Smith, Kulbardi Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, rebekah.smith@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR105311 as the reference.

Applications Close on 20 June 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.