The University of Queensland
Principal Research Communications and Engagement Officer
🇦🇺Toowong, Queensland, Australia4 days ago
A$105K – A$114KSeniorFull Time
Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 3 years
Base salary will be in the range $104,616 – $113,920 + super (HEW Level 7)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Based at our Toowong location
The Principal Research Communications and Engagement Officer plays a pivotal role in shaping how the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health shares its research, impact and community partnerships. Working closely with the Centre Manager, Faculty Marketing and Communications Manager and researchers, this role leads culturally appropriate communications and engagement initiatives. You will elevate the Centre’s profile, strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and support the translation of research into meaningful outcomes. You will join a small, collaborative operations team in a purpose‑driven environment that values respect, partnership and impact.
Key responsibilities will include:
Leading the development and delivery of the Poche Centre’s marketing, communications and engagement plan in collaboration with Faculty and central teams.
Developing culturally appropriate communications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences, including digital, print and engagement materials that translate research impact.
Providing proactive communications and marketing advice to researchers and project teams to support research activities and engagement goals.
Planning and delivering Centre engagement activities, monitoring outcomes, and reporting on performance to stakeholders.
You will bring a combination of communications expertise, cultural capability and relationship‑building skills, along with a genuine commitment to Indigenous health and wellbeing.
A degree in marketing or communications with at least 4 years’ relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Demonstrated experience developing and delivering communications with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences in complex stakeholder environments.
High‑level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, engaging content across digital and print channels.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, meet deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy and quality.
Experience using website content management systems, ideally Drupal, and supporting digital communication initiatives.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence across academic, professional and community contexts.
The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a small, collaborative team.
Experience in a university or research environment is desirable but not essential.
As part of the UQ community, you will work alongside inquisitive and collaborative people who are united by a shared purpose to create positive change. UQ is a Group of Eight university, consistently ranked among the world’s leading research‑intensive institutions, and offers a workplace where contributions are valued and ideas are encouraged to grow.
UQ research continues to deliver real‑world impact in health and wellbeing. In 2025, UQ researchers highlighted how First Nations Australians experience a disproportionate burden of allergy‑related illness, reinforcing the importance of culturally informed research, engagement and communication in improving health equity. Read more about this UQ public health research and its implications for Indigenous communities.
UQ offers a broad range of benefits including up to 26 weeks paid parental leave, flexible and hybrid working options, 17.5% leave loading, a generous superannuation contribution, health and wellbeing programs, and access to professional development and study opportunities. At UQ, you will be supported to do meaningful work in an inclusive and respectful environment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Heather Young, Centre Manager. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.
Pre‑employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia and other integrity and conduct requirements as applicable. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment. Employer‑sponsored work rights are not available for this role.
We’re dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and we encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Applications close Thursday 28 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R‑64497).
Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
