Senior Communication Officer– Widening Participation at The University of Queensland

• Student Enrichment and Success (SES)

• This is a full-time fixed term position through to December 2026 with salary in the range $93,491 - $100,296 (HEW 6), plus a generous super allowance of up to 17%.

• Amplify the voices of underrepresented students and drive UQ's equity mission by leading the strategic communications for our high impact widening participation programs.

• Shape communications that strengthen student connection, inclusion, and belonging across UQ.

• Join a supportive team dedicated to removing barriers, where your creative content will showcase how access to university transforms lives.

• Based at our St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity 

This role sits within the Student Enrichment and Success (SES) Marketing and Communications team and plays a key role in showcasing the impact of UQ’s widening participation initiatives, including the flagship Young Achievers Program and Outreach initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Team Lead, Marketing and Communications, you will develop and deliver strategic communications that raise awareness and demonstrate UQ’s commitment to equity and access in higher education.

You will create engaging content, articles, and reports that resonate with students, schools, and communities, while collaborating closely with colleagues across SES and external partners to broaden the reach of UQ’s programs. The role will also support communication and engagement initiatives within the Transition and Belonging space, contributing to UQ’s goal of fostering an inclusive and connected student experience.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Strategic Communications Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan focused on promoting Widening Participation initiatives, including the flagship Young Achievers Program and Outreach Programs.

• Support the development and delivery of Transition and Belonging communications strategies.

Content Creation and Storytelling

• Create and produce engaging content across multiple formats, including articles, reports, newsletters, photography, and video. You will be responsible for capturing and sharing compelling program stories, which may involve occasional travel to regional areas.

Multi-Channel Publishing and Brand Alignment

• Oversee the curation and publishing of content across all channels (websites, social media, eDMs, and print) while ensuring all materials align with UQ's brand strategy.

Material Design and Documentation

• Oversee the design and production of program support materials, including publications and digital resources. You will also review and refine essential program documentation and parent engagement materials to ensure maximum clarity, accessibility, and impact.

Please note the position is based at the UQ St Lucia campus and involves planned travel to partnered high schools as well as UQ Gatton Campus.

About You  

Essential

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience. You must have demonstrated experience in developing and successfully executing communications plans for an organisation.

• Excellent writing, researching, and editing skills, with the ability to create and deliver compelling content for diverse audiences across multiple channels (print, digital, and social media).

• Demonstrated experience in preparing reports, presentations, and communications for stakeholders using a variety of tools. This includes proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to utilise specialist software such as Adobe suites, Vision6, InDesign, or Drupal.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals. You also possess strong organisational and time management skills, allowing you to manage competing priorities effectively.

• Possession of a valid open driver’s license with a clean driving record.

• Hold and maintain a valid Queensland Government Blue Card.

Desirable

• Experience in higher education or community engagement, particularly with equity-focused programs. You have a demonstrated capacity to work in a culturally sensitive manner with people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

• Familiarity with photography, videography, and/or graphic design. Skills in data analysis, reporting, and evaluation in a communications context are also highly valued.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment, and may be required to complete background checks including, criminal history and education checks. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.  

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community. 

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as: 

• 17% superannuation contributions, 17.5% annual leave loading.

• Access to flexible working arrangements including 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 our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family.

• Cheap parking, On campus childcare and Salary packaging options.

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Gabrielle at [email protected]. For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

Applications close 16 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-56625). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 27 November 2025.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role. 

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments. 

If you are a current employee (including casual staff and HDR scholars) or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, please login to your staff Workday account and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.