Communications Specialist, Strategic Programs

• 1 – year full time, fixed term opportunity

• Exciting opportunity to support high profile university initiatives and programs

• Base Salary $131,108 - $147,858 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

As the Communications Specialist, Strategic Programs, you will play a key role in the delivery major education initiatives and strategic priorities through effective internal and external communications. Working across a range of initiatives, you will develop and implement communication strategies that strengthen engagement, support the delivery of strategic programs, and translate complex information into clear and engaging content aligned with broader University objectives.

You will provide expert communications advice, lead content quality assurance activities, and partner with subject matter experts and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, audience-focused communications. Using data and performance insights, you will continually evaluate and enhance communication channels and strategies to maximise effectiveness and support organisational goals

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• develop and implement integrated communications plans aligned with strategic and operational priorities

• oversee internal communications initiatives that effectively engage staff and students

• create and coordinate external communications that support a cohesive and impactful public profile

• lead quality assurance activities to ensure content is accurate, timely and aligned with governance requirements

• collaborate with subject matter experts and stakeholders to support broader communications initiatives and events

• evaluate communications performance using metrics and insights to optimise channels and engagement outcomes

• build strong stakeholder relationships and manage communications-related risks to support successful outcomes

About you

• postgraduate qualifications in communications, marketing or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience

• demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies and plans

• proven experience producing engaging content for diverse audiences across multiple communication channels

• strong understanding of digital communications platforms, content management systems and analytics tools

• excellent written communication skills, including the ability to create compelling content in plain English for a range of audiences

• demonstrated ability to build effective stakeholder relationships and provide trusted communications advice

• experience using communication performance metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement, with higher education experience highly regarded

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 07 September 2026 11:59 PM