Principal Media and Content Officer

About This Opportunity

Step into a critical role at the intersection of media, science communication, stakeholder engagement, and reputation building with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), an institute of The University of Queensland. You will take the lead on QAAFI’s media function – bringing cutting-edge agricultural research to life through compelling, accessible storytelling. You’ll translate complex science into narratives that capture attention and resonate with industry leaders, government, media, and the wider community. In this fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, you’ll play a key role in elevating QAAFI’s national profile in the media and strengthening high-impact research partnerships, including collaborations with the Queensland Government and the Department of Primary Industries.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and leading the Institute’s media strategy, editorial schedule and work plan to ensure research achievements and impact are promoted through appropriate channels and aligned with QAAFI and UQ priorities.
• Producing high‑quality media content across written, audio and video formats, managing approvals with funding partners and ensuring content accuracy, accessibility and brand alignment.
• Providing strategic media advice, talking points and media training to senior executives, researchers and industry partners, including guidance to maximise media publicity and reputational risk management.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with rural and national journalists, leading proactive media campaigns, responding to media enquiries and monitoring coverage with regular reporting to stakeholders.

About You

Tertiary qualifications in communication, public relations, journalism or a related discipline, with significant experience in a senior media or communications role; or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated expertise. A sophisticated understanding of Australian agricultural industries and/or the research sector, gained through experience in education, government, industry bodies or research organisations. Demonstrated success designing and delivering contemporary media and communication strategies within a large, complex or research‑intensive organisation. Strong knowledge of the Australian media landscape, with established media contacts and a proven ability to place proactive stories and manage media enquiries. Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, including experience advising and influencing senior leaders and industry partners. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex scientific content into compelling, audience‑ready material under tight deadlines. The ability to work autonomously with sound judgement, managing competing priorities while maintaining quality and professional integrity.

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 up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, 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 Carolyn Martin, Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement, carolyn.martin@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia. 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 close Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 11:59pm AEST (R-64612).

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.

At the University of Queensland, we are proud to be one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide. As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities, UQ is widely recognised for its intensive focus on research and teaching excellence – evidenced by our numerous accolades including more teaching awards than any other Australian University and reflected in UQ being the number one recipient of ARC Fellowships and Awards nationally across all scheme years (totalling 452 awards worth $339 million). Our state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and cutting-edge research centres offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. With five faculties, a number of globally recognised research institutes, and over 100 research centres, we attract an interdisciplinary community of more than 7000 staff, supporting more than 55,000 current students from over 137 countries. UQ is dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of our students and staff. Our comprehensive career services provide personalized guidance, skills development, and networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals. Whether you are a student seeking internships and job placements or a staff member looking for career advancement, UQ is here to support you every step of the way. UQ values equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to reflect the broader community by attracting and retaining high-quality staff from a range of backgrounds. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion aims to ensure that everyone at UQ feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are particularly interested to hear from people who bring diversity to UQ – whether that be gender identity, LGBTQIA+, cultural and/or linguistic, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability. Whether you are a recent graduate, an Academic, or an experienced professional, UQ offers a wide range of opportunities to help you grow and succeed. Explore our current job openings, discover our programs, and become part of a community that is dedicated to creating lasting, meaningful impact for the communities in which we live and work. For more information about working at UQ and our employee benefits (such as generous leave provisions, 17% superannuation, flexible working arrangements, and health and wellness discounts) please visit Why Work at UQ.