Job Description

Communications Project Officer (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre)

• Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
• Duration: 12 Months Fixed term
• Remuneration $103,866 base + 17% Superannuation, leave loading
• Work rights required: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
• Location: Hybrid, based at Randwick, Sydney

Who are we:

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre ( NDARC) at UNSW Sydney, is Australia's leading research group in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. NDARC has been at the forefront of evidence-based responses to health challenges associated with AOD since 1986. Through our rigorous research programs and partnerships, NDARC continues to make significant contributions towards addressing the complex challenges associated with AOD use in contemporary society.

Details of the role
The Communications Project Officer plays a valuable role within the NDARC Communications/Operations Teams and provides support and advice to staff across the Centre. The position contributes to the development of key organisational documents and reports and develops digital and printed collateral and visual assets. The Communications Project Officer also contributes to internal and digital communications, event coordination and stakeholder engagement activities.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the heart of a nationally recognised research centre, supporting meaningful work that influences policy, practice and public understanding. You will partner closely with researchers and professional staff to deliver high‑quality communications material, visual assets and events that amplify NDARC’s impact. From producing flagship publications and developing digital content to coordinating webinars and major events, the role is varied, collaborative and purpose‑driven. It suits a proactive communications professional who enjoys balancing creativity with precision, can manage multiple priorities, and is motivated by contributing to evidence‑based responses to complex health and social challenges.

The Communications Projects Officer reports to the Senior Communications Officer.

Some key skills required:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced
• Demonstrated design skills, including the ability to adhere to organisational brand guidelines
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Adobe Experience Manager and Mailchimp
• Provide practical and proactive communications, event and design/branding support and advice to NDARC staff and project teams
• Contribute to the development of key documents and reports including design and editing, such as the NDARC Annual Impact Report and other organisational, promotional and philanthropic material
• Create and disseminate content across NDARC digital communications channels including the Centre’s website, social media accounts, newsletters and digital signage
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Flexible working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​
• Progressive HR practices​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

Pre-Employment Checks:

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

How to apply:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW

Contact

Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate

E: f.mchenry@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: Sunday 31st May before 11.30pm Sydney time

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.