📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Principal Communications & Engagement Officer
🔹 Company: University of Queensland
🔹 Location: Herston Campus, Queensland, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the Communications & Engagement Manager in driving impactful communication initiatives for Health Translation Queensland (HTQ) and the Australian Health Research Alliance (AHRA).
- Contributing to the creation, execution, and continuous refinement of innovative communication strategies.
- Managing and maintaining HTQ’s digital platforms, including websites, social media, and email marketing systems.
- Coordinating communication activities, including content creation, event management, and reporting.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong organizational skills, and a solid understanding of digital marketing trends and approaches.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Contribute to the development and execution of strategic communications plans for HTQ, focusing on high-quality, targeted digital marketing and engagement activities across various channels.
✅ Manage and maintain HTQ’s digital platforms, including websites, social media, and email marketing systems, while developing content and assets that are accurate, engaging, and aligned with UQ standards.
✅ Coordinate communication activities, including content creation, event management, and reporting, while liaising with service providers and ensuring adherence to best practices in design, branding, and engagement.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking and requires the ability to work both independently and in a small team in a dynamic environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Tertiary qualifications in marketing, communications, or a related discipline.
Experience: 6+ years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, or a related field.
Required Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Highly developed organisational skills enabling the completion of multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail.
- Demonstrated experience in IT programs including the Adobe Creative Suite, including graphic design, email marketing systems, website content management systems, and social media platforms.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the higher education sector.
- Knowledge of the Australian health research landscape.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the higher education sector or the Australian health research landscape may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 100,554 - 109,496 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
Benefits:
- 26 weeks paid parental leave or 26 weeks paid primary caregiver leave.
- 17% superannuation contributions.
- 17.5% annual leave loading.
- Access to flexible working arrangements, including part-time, hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight.
- Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to the Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family.
- UQ Study for Staff.
- Salary packaging options.
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for work-life balance.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the HEW Level 7 classification for the University of Queensland.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on health research and translation.
Company Size: The University of Queensland has over 50,000 students and 10,000 staff, making it one of Australia's largest universities.
Founded: The University of Queensland was founded in 1909 and is one of Australia's leading research and teaching institutions.
Company Description:
- The University of Queensland is committed to delivering teaching excellence, conducting world-class research, and engaging in meaningful community and industry partnerships.
- The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering is one of the largest and most comprehensive engineering schools in Australia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
- The University of Queensland is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, fostering an environment that mirrors the wider community.
Company Specialties:
- Mechanical engineering.
- Mechatronics engineering.
- Mining Engineering.
- Aerospace engineering.
- Biomedical engineering.
- Materials engineering.
- Research.
Company Website: https://mechmining.uq.edu.au/home
ASSUMPTION: The University of Queensland is a large, research-intensive university with a strong focus on industry collaboration and community engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, with the opportunity to provide strategic direction and leadership in communications and engagement.
Reporting Structure: The Principal Communications & Engagement Officer reports directly to the HTQ Communications & Engagement Manager.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with some flexibility for hybrid working arrangements.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a management role within the communications and engagement team.
- Expanding skills and knowledge in the higher education sector and health research landscape.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the higher education sector and the Australian health research landscape.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The University of Queensland's Herston Campus is a modern, purpose-built facility dedicated to health research and translation.
Office Location(s): Herston Campus, Queensland, Australia
Geographic Context:
- The Herston Campus is located in the inner northern suburbs of Brisbane, close to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and the Queensland University of Technology.
- The campus is well-served by public transport, with several bus routes and a train station nearby.
- The area is known for its vibrant café culture and is close to several parks and green spaces.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for work-life balance.
ASSUMPTION: The Herston Campus offers a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to public transport and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager.
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring panel.
- Reference checks and background screening.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to create engaging content.
- Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
- Technical skills in digital marketing, graphic design, and website management.
- Alignment with the University of Queensland's values and mission.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Australian health research landscape and the University of Queensland's mission and values.
- Prepare examples of your work that showcase your creativity, organizational skills, and technical proficiency.
ATS Keywords: Digital marketing, communications, engagement, strategic planning, content creation, event management, website management, social media, email marketing, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, higher education, health research, Australian health research landscape.
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills through their resume, cover letter, and interview performance.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Email marketing systems (e.g., Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor).
- Website content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal).
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and experience with email marketing systems, website content management systems, and social media platforms are essential for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence.
- Integrity.
- Engagement.
- Inclusion.
- Respect.
Work Style:
- Collaborative.
- Innovative.
- Adaptable.
- Results-driven.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of creating engaging and creative content for a range of channels?
- Are you able to work both independently and in a small team in a dynamic environment?
- Do you have a strong commitment to the values and mission of the University of Queensland?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the University of Queensland's values and work style are more likely to be successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Adapting to changes in priorities and workload.
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to workload management, adaptability, and meeting tight deadlines.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Communications Officer or a Digital Marketing Manager in a higher education or health research organization.
- However, this role has a specific focus on health research translation and engagement with the Australian Health Research Alliance.
- Career progression in this role may lead to a management position within the communications and engagement team or a similar role in another higher education or health research organization.
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other senior communications and digital marketing roles but has a unique focus on health research translation and engagement.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan for a major health research event.
- Managing the redesign and relaunch of the Health Translation Queensland website.
- Creating engaging and informative content for social media channels to raise awareness of health research initiatives.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of tasks and responsibilities required in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications and engagement strategy for Health Translation Queensland and the Australian Health Research Alliance?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth in this role?
- How does the University of Queensland support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the team structure and culture like within the communications and engagement team?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the University of Queensland's culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare examples of your work that showcase your creativity, organizational skills, and technical proficiency.
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Silvia Scheibenbogen, after submitting your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
