Communications Manager / Speechwriter

Job Description:

• Office of the Vice-Chancellor, The University of Queensland (UQ)
• Communications Manager / Speechwriter
• Full-time, fixed-term position (14 months; from August 2026 – October 2027)
• Base salary will be in the range $117,958 - $132,247 + 17% super (HEW Level 8)
• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

At the heart of the UQ’s leadership team, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the narrative of one of Australia’s leading universities.

As Communications Manager / Speechwriter in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President, you will be a trusted communications advisor to UQ’s Vice-Chancellor and members of the University’s senior leadership team.

Your key responsibility will involve crafting compelling speeches, presentations and communications to support the Vice-Chancellor’s engagement with a range of key stakeholders – across government and industry partners, staff, students, alumni, donors, and the broader community.

Working in a high‑performing executive environment, you will collaborate with senior leaders and communications specialists to translate complex ideas into clear, influential narratives that reflect UQ’s ambition, values and purpose.

Key responsibilities include:

• You will be working with the Executive Communications Manager to deliver the Vice-Chancellor’s communication program, which is aligned to UQ’s strategic priorities and engagement objectives.
• Researching and writing speeches, presentations, opinion pieces, forewords, messages and briefing notes for a diverse range of internal and external forums.
• Supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s communications to UQ staff by developing consistent, clear and timely university-wide messaging.

About You

This role will appeal to an experienced communications professional who genuinely enjoys the craft of speechwriting and who is seeking to work in a mission-driven organisation with a commitment to delivering for the public good.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Extensive experience of supporting executive leaders in senior communications, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs or public relations roles.
• Exceptional research, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to distil complex information into precise, engaging, accurate and authoritative content.
• A proven track record of producing sophisticated speeches, PowerPoint presentations and briefings aligned to organisational strategy and tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Strong problem-solving capability and the capacity to deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines, while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
• Highly developed interpersonal, influencing and advisory skills, enabling effective collaboration with senior leaders and stakeholders across a large and complex organisation.
• Experience within higher education, government or similarly complex environments will be highly regarded.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on-campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Paul O’Farrell, Executive Communications Manager, Office of the VC & President at: p.ofarrell@uq.edu.au.

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at: talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (R-64467) in the subject line.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) summarising how your professional experience aligns to the ‘About You’ section – and quote the job reference number (R-64467).

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing: talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications for this positions (job reference # R-64467) close on Friday 29 May 2026 at 11.00pm (AEST). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of 29th June 2026.

Posted: 12/05/2026