Communications and Engagement Officer

• Support communications activities across the University and the broader community.
• Shape high-level government and stakeholder relationships
• Full time, Ongoing role based in Hobart

 The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

The Division of the Vice Chancellor is looking for a Communications and Engagement Officer to join their team.

As our new Communications and Engagement Officer, you will be operating as a key interface between the University and senior external stakeholders, including government, ministerial staff and Ministers.

You will be responsible for leading multifaceted stakeholder engagement activities, managing sensitive communications issues, and providing strategic advice to senior University leaders on reputational, political and policy matters.

Our ideal candidate will be able to exercises a high degree of autonomy, judgement and discretion, particularly in high-pressure and politically sensitive environments.

You will be able to create compelling written and visual content for publication across a range of channels, including media, newsletters, websites, Teams channels and email communications. You will also be able to develop engaging stories and corporate content for key publications such as the Annual Report and Alumni Magazine, coordinate media releases, events and interviews, and help ensure staff are regularly informed about the University’s activities through clear, timely and strategic communications.

• →Lead and manage multifaceted stakeholder engagement activities involving senior external stakeholders, including government departments, ministerial staff and Ministers.
• →Independently assess, triage and manage sensitive and potentially high-risk communications issues.
• →Provide strategic advice to senior University leaders on stakeholder relations, reputational risks, and emerging political or policy issues.
• →Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies that integrate internal and external perspectives across a complex organisational environment.
• →Contribute to a broad range of communications activities across various channels for multiple audiences
• →Provide regionally specific strategic advice and on-the-ground support in the south of the State for the work of the Regional Communications Managers.

•  Demonstrated experience managing stakeholder relationships across a diverse environment, including direct engagement with senior government stakeholders and ministerial offices.
• Highly developed strategic communication skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate and advise at senior levels.
• Strong analytical capability to assess risks, interpret policy context and develop strategic responses.
• Demonstrated capacity to work across organisational boundaries and coordinate outcomes in a multifaceted, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Proven ability to operate autonomously under broad direction and exercise sound judgement in high-pressure, politically sensitive environments with tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly develop an understanding of, the Tasmanian stakeholder environment, including government, industry and community interfaces relevant to the University.

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 7 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $130,943 comprising base salary within the range of $101,821 to $111,917 plus 17% superannuation.

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Ben Wild, Acting Executive Director, Strategic Communications on Ben.Wild@utas.edu.au or 03 63243218.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 503759 - Communications and Engagement Officer.pdf

 As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Advertised: 24 Jul 2026 Tasmania Standard Time
Applications close: 09 Aug 2026 Tasmania Standard Time

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