Classification: ANU Officer 6/7 (Administration)
Salary package: $100,847- $116,083 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Term: Full Time, Continuing
Position Description and Selection Criteria: PD&PEWER_ANUO67_Communications Coordinator.pdf
In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80
The First Nations Portfolio (FNP) works with colleagues across the University to ensure ANU is a world leader in teaching and research of First Nations issues. It also works to ensure that the University makes a leading contribution to national policy in the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the nation. FNP provides an environment for debating significant and strategic issues and seeks to partner with communities, their representative organisations and enterprises to further the status, recognition and lives of Indigenous peoples. Achieving this outcome requires constant attention to impact, engagement and partnership.
The communications coordinator will develop and deliver high-quality media and digital communications that elevate the University’s leadership in First Nations research and national policy engagement. The role will create compelling content, identify media opportunities, and strengthen FNP’s presence across print, digital and social platforms. Working closely with academic staff, media, ANU Communications and Engagement, and external stakeholders, the communications coordinator will ensure that the stories, research and priorities of the Portfolio reach diverse audiences, reinforce the University’s strategic objectives, and deepen engagement with First Nations communities.
Position overview
Reporting to Head of Operations, ANU First Nations Portfolio, the Communications Coordinator plays a central role in shaping how FNP communicates its work, impact and strategic priorities. The position identifies newsworthy stories and media opportunities, produces media releases and digital content, manages FNP’s social media channels, and maintains and updates the FNP website. A key aspect of the role is building strong relationships with stakeholder organisations and ANU colleagues to ensure FNP voices and expertise are widely represented in national and local media.
The role will work with University teams to formulate the Portfolio’s communication and engagement strategy, with particular focus on showcasing its impact of policy and research, to both internal and external audience. With a strong editorial focus, the Communications Coordinator crafts clear, accurate and engaging content for multiple audiences, ranging from the ANU community and government to donors, corporate stakeholders, and national and international readers.
The position requires a proactive communicator with strong networks, a capacity to work flexibly in a dynamic environment, and an understanding of First Nations issues and media. Delivering high-quality, timely and strategic communications is essential to advancing the Portfolio’s mission and strengthening public understanding of its work.
For further information, contact Sarwat Maqbool, Head of Operations, First Nations Portfolio; HOps.FirstNations@anu.edu.au
The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au.
ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion.
Application information
To apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents:
- A statement addressing the selection criteria, no longer than two pages.
- A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees, you can complete these online when prompted in the application form.
- Other documents, if required.
Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.
Please note: The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedureand the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.
Closing date: Wednesday, 18/11/2026, 11:55PM (Canberra Time)
