First Nations Research Communications Officer (Identified)

Overview:
Identified role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates
Full time, fixed-term position supporting First Nations digital inclusion research
Hew 5 ($84,181p.a plus 17% superannuation and cultural leave)
Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working
Based at RMIT City campus with some optional travel to research and field sites
About the role
RMIT University is seeking a creative and self-motivated Research Communications and Engagement Officer to help translate important research into accessible, engaging and culturally respectful communications.
Working as part of the research team, you will contribute to the Measuring Digital Inclusion and Mapping the Digital Gap project.
This work explores digital inclusion and the digital experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, helping to communicate research findings in ways that are meaningful, accessible and useful to a range of audiences.
Research translation is central to this role. You will turn research insights, data and project activities into clear and engaging content for digital platforms, reports, social media and stakeholder communications. Graphic design is a key part of the position, including creating social media content, reports, promotional materials and data visualisations.
You will also help grow and improve the project’s social media presence, particularly across social media platforms, and support the maintenance and development of related digital content and web pages.
The role will involve working closely with researchers and the wider ADM+S Centre operations team on project communications, engagement, web content and events.
This is a largely self-managed position suited to someone who can work independently, take initiative and manage competing priorities without requiring close supervision.
We are looking for someone with relevant communications, engagement or graphic design experiencenwho is passionate about communicating research and creating positive change for First Nations communities.
About the project
The role will contribute to research focused on measuring digital inclusion and mapping the digital gap, including the Mapping the Digital Gap and First Nations Digital Inclusion projects.
For further information, please visit:
Mapping the Digital Gap
First Nations Digital Inclusion
Mapping the Digital Gap on Facebook
Key selection criteria
Must be of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage as an essential selection criterion.
Experience or training in communications, graphic design, public relations, engagement or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in graphic design, particularly for digital communications, reports, publications or social media.
Experience translating complex information, research or data into clear, engaging and accessible content for different audiences.
Experience creating and improving social media content, particularly for Facebook and LinkedIn.
Demonstrated ability to develop digital graphics, reports and data visualisations.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud products, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, and with Canva.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage your own workload, take initiative and meet deadlines with limited supervision.
Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, project partners and the wider operations team.
A commitment to culturally respectful and inclusive practice and to communicating research in ways that benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Desirable experience
Experience working in an academic, research or community environment.
Experience managing web content, including basic HTML, CSS or SEO.
Experience with social media reporting, analytics or digital engagement metrics.
Experience using data visualisation tools or presenting research findings visually.
Experience with photography, filming or basic audio-visual equipment. Audio-visual experience is welcome but is not essential to the role.
Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects.
Qualifications
A relevant bachelor’s degree with subsequent relevant experience in communications, public relations and/or engagement, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education or training, is required.
Position Description
Identified position
This is an Identified position and being an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is considered a genuine occupational qualification in accordance with sections 26(3) and 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
The successful applicant will be required to provide confirmation of their Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
RMIT is committed to creating a culturally safe, supportive and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students. We warmly encourage applications from people who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, community connections and a passion for sharing First Nations research and stories in respectful ways.
Appointment to this position is subject to holding a valid Victorian Working with Children Check and other checks as required for the specific role. Maintaining a valid Working with Children Check is a condition of employment at RMIT.
Applications close
11:59 pm Sunday 18 October 2026
To apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the Apply link.
For further information if required, please contact loretta.vaughan@rmit.edu.au - do not send your application here.
Applications Close:22 Nov 2026 11.59 pm
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
In line with RM