"Communications and Engagement Advisor"

•  494625
•  Cairns
•  Professional
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Mar 5 2026

James Cook University (JCU) now has an exciting opportunity for a Communications and Engagement Advisor to join our vibrant team in the Student Services and Support Directorate.

This is your opportunity to lead exciting student engagement initiatives at JCU, applying your creativity, organisation, and attention to detail to plan, coordinate, and deliver events from concept to completion.

• Full time, continuing appointment (36.25 hours per week)
• Based at the Cairns Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield
• HEWL 6: $90,821 - $98,369 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be the key point of contact for student engagement events on the JCU Cairns campus, leading the delivery of high-quality, sector-leading events and activities with professionalism, energy and creativity. You will help drive student engagement with University life through the creation of communications materials and content that inform and inspire, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, policies and procedures, and that information is accurate, accessible and audience focused. You will also build and maintain strong, positive working relationships across the University, collaborating with stakeholders to identify student information needs and inform content creation.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

You bring proven experience planning, coordinating and delivering engaging events, programs and activities for diverse audiences. You thrive in dynamic environments, managing multiple priorities and logistics with ease, and take a proactive, solutions-focused approach to turning ideas into seamless, well-executed experiences. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills allow you to build positive relationships with stakeholders and work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to deliver impactful initiatives. You bring high-level digital literacy and quickly adapt to new software, applying an eye for detail to create clear, engaging content and materials for target audiences.

If you are a motivated, dynamic, and creative individual looking for an opportunity to contribute to an engaging student experience at JCU, then this is the role for you!

ABOUT THE STUDENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT DIRECTORATE

The Student Services Directorate is responsible for managing and coordinating a broad range of student administrative and enquiry management functions and services that are critical to the student experience. Services cover the stages of the student life cycle, from once admitted to a course through to graduation. Areas within the Directorate include: Academic Administration and Enrolment; Client Services, Communications and Engagement (including student events and activities); Student Finance and Scholarships; Assessment, Examinations and Graduations; Inclusion, Wellbeing and Outreach; and Student Matters (including complaints, reviews and appeals).

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 36.25-hour full-time working week
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave or 12 months at half pay
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant profile and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success. 

Applications close on Thursday 5 March at 11:55 PM AEST.

As the role requires an urgent commencement, we are seeking applications from candidates who have current Australian work rights.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Caitlin Dobson on (07) 4781 4157 or via email - caitlin.dobson1@jcu.edu.au.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

• Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
• Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
• Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
• Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.