Research Communications Officer

Overview:

- Full time, fixed-term position until Dec 2027 supporting First Nations digital inclusion research

- Hew 6 ($97,647 p.a plus 17% superannuation)

- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working

- Based at RMIT City campus with some optional travel to research and field sites

About the role
RMIT University is seeking a creative and self-motivated Research Communications and Engagement Officer to help translate important research into accessible, engaging and culturally respectful communications.
Working as part of the research team, you will contribute to the Measuring Digital Inclusion and Mapping the Digital Gap project.
This work explores digital inclusion and the digital experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, helping to communicate research findings in ways that are meaningful, accessible and useful to a range of audiences.
Research translation is central to this role. You will turn research insights, data and project activities into clear and engaging content for digital platforms, reports, social media and stakeholder communications. Graphic design is a key part of the position , including creating social media content, reports, promotional materials and data visualisations.
You will also help grow and improve the project’s social media presence, particularly across social media platforms , and support the maintenance and development of related digital content and web pages.
The role will involve working closely with researchers and the wider ADM+S Centre operations team on project communications, engagement, web content and events.
This is a largely self-managed position suited to someone who can work independently, take initiative and manage competing priorities without requiring close supervision.
We are looking for someone with relevant communications, engagement or graphic design experiencene who is passionate about communicating research and creating positive change for First Nations communities.

About the project
The role will contribute to research focused on measuring digital inclusion and mapping the digital gap, including the Mapping the Digital Gap and First Nations Digital Inclusion projects.
For further information, please visit:

- Mapping the Digital Gap

- First Nations Digital Inclusion

- Mapping the Digital Gap on Facebook

Key selection criteria

- Contribute to the First Nations Digital Inclusion projects as part of the research team.

- Coordinate the promotion of First Nations Digital Inclusion research outputs to government, industry and the public, using a range of digital communications channels.

- Demonstrated experience in digital graphic design and data visualisation.

- Familiarity with social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube).

- Provide publication layout support to the research team, including the design, data visualisation, and layout of detailed annual outcomes reports.

- Design and organise media content and engagement material such as fliers, posters, and web content.

- Support project website and webpages to ensure public-facing information is kept up to date.

- Assist the Project Manager with administrative and reporting requirements, including the collection and reporting of communications and engagement analytics to external funding partners, and reporting of research team outputs to ADM+S Centre and RMIT reporting channels.

- Support the coordination of external events, both in-person and online, including event management, promotion and logistics.

- Coordinate with the wider ADM+S Centre operations team on matters relating to project communications, engagement, web content, and events.

- Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe products (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom), Microsoft Word, and Canva.

Desirable experience

- Working in an academic, research or community environment.

- Managing web content, including basic HTML, CSS or SEO

- Experience with social media reporting, analytics or digital engagement metrics.

- Experience using data visualisation tools or presenting research findings visually.

- Photography, filming or basic audio-visual equipment.

- Experience using Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects.

Qualifications
A relevant bachelor’s degree with subsequent relevant experience in communications, public relations and/or engagement, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education or training, is required.

Position Description

RMIT is committed to creating a culturally safe, supportive and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students. We warmly encourage applications from people who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, community connections and a passion for sharing First Nations research and stories in respectful ways.
Appointment to this position is subject to holding a valid Victorian Working with Children Check and other checks as required for the specific role. Maintaining a valid Working with Children Check is a condition of employment at RMIT.

Applications close
11:59 pm Sunday 22 November, 2026
To apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the Apply link.

For further information if required, please contact loretta.vaughan@rmit.edu.au do not send your application here.

#LI-Hybrid

Applications Close:
22 Nov 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.  All applicants will be required to complete a gender‑based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence .  Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre‑employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.