External Relations and Protocol Partner

• Continuing | Full-Time (with possibility of 0.8 part-time continuing)
• Higher Education Officer Level 6 | $94,456 - $100,710 p.a. + 17% superannuation
• Location: Bedford Park
• View Position Description

About the Role

Responsible for supporting the University in its engagement with key government, political and industry stakeholders, the External Relations and Protocol Partner plays a key role in managing external engagements, official visits and partnerships in support of the University’s objectives.

You will support colleagues to effectively navigate government and stakeholder protocols for dignitaries and VIP guests, coordinate reporting on the University’s external relations activities and draft briefings and correspondence supporting external engagement objectives. This role is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing team in a dynamic organisation.

Other key position responsibilities include:

• Planning visits and tour itineraries to effectively showcase institutional priorities, facilities and achievements to external stakeholders.
• Supporting colleagues across the university in effectively navigating government and stakeholder protocols for dignitaries and VIP guests.
• Ensuring effective engagement with membership organisations by coordinating speaking opportunities, preparing and supporting University representatives, and facilitating associated partnership activities.
• Working collaboratively with the University’s Events and Media and Communications teams (and broadly across the organisation) to ensure external engagement priorities are fully realised through University events.

Please refer to the attached Position Description for a more comprehensive list of responsibilities.

About You

You’re a strong communicator, exceptionally organised and have working knowledge of government and dignitary protocols. Your well-developed interpersonal skills ensure you can easily build and maintain effective relationships with government, political and industry stakeholders.

It is expected that the successful candidate will have a degree in a relevant field (politics, public policy, communications or similar) along with 3-5 years professional experience in a similar role. Experience in higher education will be highly regarded.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders initiative
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit your CV and cover letter no more than 2 pages addressing the Key Position Capabilities of the Position Description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact talentacquisition@flinders.edu.au

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

29 Apr 2026

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.