Campus Location : North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia
Job No : APTAV #001
* Are you a media-savvy communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment?
* Opportunity to generate high-impact coverage, build relationships with journalists, translate groundbreaking research and respond to media enquiries, as well as create compelling content that showcases our education initiatives.
* ACU offers 17% employer superannuation, salary packaging and generous leave provisions.
* You'll be joining a small team of former journalists who thrive on spotting opportunities, translating research into compelling stories, and working with academics to bring their expertise into the national conversation.
* Full time (35 hours / week), continuing role with hybrid flexibility located on North Sydney or Melbourne campus.
About the role :
Operating within the Strategic Communications team, this role oversees proactive and reactive media engagement to raise the public profile of ACU's education portfolio.
ACU's education portfolio includes the Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, the National School of Education, the Institute of Child Protection Studies and the Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy.
As the Communications Lead (Education), you will :
* Lead media relations for the education portfolio, proactively identifying story ideas, pitching to media and responding to media enquiries.
* Effectively develop, implement and deliver integrated media campaigns, ensuring that messaging is consistent and coordinated across all communication channels.
* Collaborate with academics from ACU's institutes to identify key research, milestones and media opportunities.
* Raise the profile of ACU's education portfolio, competing for coverage against competitor universities with stronger public profiles.
* Identify and execute opportunities to include ACU education-related achievements and expertise in relevant news cycles and communication channels.
* Translate complex and sensitive research for media pitches.
* Monitor media engagement and report to key internal stakeholders.
* Work collaboratively within a small communications team, where each member is responsible for their own portfolio.
Contact :
General enquiries can be sent to Louise Crossen, National Manager, Strategic Communications at:
What we offer :
* ACU offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.
* Total remuneration valued to $124,509 - $134,699 total rem (pro rata) pa, including salary component $105,212 - $113,823 (pro rata) pa (HEW 7), employer contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
* 17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed‑term staff.
* Annual leave loading of an equivalent to 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata payable, dependent on your commencement date.
* As an ACU staff member, you will have access to generous benefits which include, but are not limited to: flexible work, study leave, a variety of leave provisions and salary packaging. Find out more information about the benefits or working at ACU here.
How to Apply :
Step 1: Review the Position Description and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process.
Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button, and populate your candidate application details, including your:
* Resume (maximum 5 pages).
* Responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.
* Brief online responses to any pre‑screening employment questions.
Applications close : 21‑DEC‑2025 at 11 : 59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time
This position requires a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and / or Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWVP) (ACT only).
Candidates must hold Australian work rights to apply for this position. For permanent / continuing roles, applicants must have permanent work rights. For further information visit Immigration and Citizenship (homeaffairs.gov.au).
Your privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit:
ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact to discuss your requirements in confidence.
About ACU :
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses – Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown and Rome.
ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. Whatever your faith or culture, and whether you are academic or professional staff, there are many opportunities both for learning and contributing at ACU.
As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.
ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.
Learn more about Athena Swan
Seeking a media-savvy communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment to build our profile and create compelling content working at either our North Sydney or Melbourne campus.
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