"Communications Officer"

Job Details

• Salary: $113k - $123k plus 17% Superannuation
• Term: Fixed term – from April 2026 to June 2027 (fixed term funding)
• Hours: 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:

• https://www.smart.unsw.edu.au/about-us
• Home | Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub

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:

• Previous experience in science communication
• Experience or interest in environmental science and sustainability is highly beneficial
• Proven experience creating engaging content for multiple channels, including digital, social, and traditional media
• Strong skill in translating complex scientific or technical information into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects of varying priority and meet deadlines
• Extensive knowledge of communication platforms, including traditional media, digital tools, and social channels
• A flexible, adaptive team player who can also work autonomously, keeping the Hub Leader updated as required
• 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