Communications Officer - Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub
Job no: 537761
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Marketing / Communications
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$113k - $123k plus 17% Superannuation
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Fixed term – from April 2026 to June 2027 (fixed term funding)
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Full-time (35 hours per week)
The UNSW Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub (SCaW Hub) is a national research program within the Faculty of Science, that develops new ways to reduce the impact of plastics, waste, pollution, and hazardous materials, while helping communities live more sustainably. This work is crucial because it provides the science and tools needed to protect the environment, improve air quality, and support a circular economy that keeps materials out of landfill and creates healthier, more resilient communities across Australia.
Find out more about the Hub and the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology it supports:
About the role
The Communications Officer develops and delivers internal and external engagement strategies to raise the profile of the SCaW Hub, including content creation, event coordination, social media and web management. Acting as the primary contact for all media activity, the role oversees digital channels such as websites, newsletters, social platforms, and media outreach, ensuring all communications align with UNSW and National Environmental Science Program (NESP) guidelines.
Working closely with Knowledge Brokers and NESP, the officer produces high quality, compliant content while building and maintaining strong relationships across the Hub. The role also leads communications projects, supports events such as webinars, tracks performance through content metrics, and uses data insights to refine marketing initiatives and keep the Hub Leader informed.
The Communications Officer will report to the Associate Professor Farshid Pahlevani and has no direct reports. This role is funded until June 2027.
About you
To be successful in this role you will have:
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Previous experience in science communication
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Experience or interest in environmental science and sustainability is highly beneficial
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Proven experience creating engaging content for multiple channels, including digital, social, and traditional media
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Strong skill in translating complex scientific or technical information into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences
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Superior written and verbal communication abilities
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Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects of varying priority and meet deadlines
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Extensive knowledge of communication platforms, including traditional media, digital tools, and social channels
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A flexible, adaptive team player who can also work autonomously, keeping the Hub Leader updated as required
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High proficiency in Microsoft Office and online content/design tools (e.g., website CMS, social media platforms, basic design software)
Application documents: please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your motivation for applying and addressing the “About You” section of this job ad. In addition, please attach a separate document (maximum 2 pages, format of your choice) detailing your proposed approach or strategy for the role if you were successful. You will be able to upload that document in the “other supporting documents” section of your application.
For informal queries, please see the below contact details.
Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Contact: Associate Professor Farshid Pahlevani
E: f.pahlevani@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 23 February 11.55PM
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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.
Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au
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.
Advertised: AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Application close: AUS Eastern Daylight Time
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