About the organisation

The Coalition of Peaks is a representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations and members who have come together to Close the Gap, in partnership with Australian governments.

We share a belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a meaningful say on policies and programs related to Closing the Gap through formal partnerships with Australian governments at all levels.

The Coalition of Peaks Policy and Secretariat Team supports the work of the Coalition of Peaks, providing high level and comprehensive policy and strategic advice to Peaks Members, to support the implementation and monitoring of actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

About the role

The Assistant Director – Communications plays a key leadership role in delivering high-impact communications, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives to support the objectives of the Coalition of Peaks and the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communications, the Assistant Director will work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and externally with media, member organisations, government stakeholders, and partners.

The role will lead projects that amplify the work of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and elevate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander space more broadly, while maintaining consistent messaging and building greater visibility and influence for the Coalition of Peaks.

A usual day in this role might include developing strategic messages for a major policy announcement, coordinating a media opportunity for a Coalition of Peaks spokesperson, briefing a public relations agency on a campaign to raise awareness of Priority Reforms, or guiding communications capacity-building with a member organisation.

The expectations of the role are similar to those of an Executive Level 1 in the Australian Public Service. It is preferred that the position is based in Canberra, however, remote working will be considered for the right candidate. A small relocation allowance, up to $2,000 may be considered for a successful non-Canberra based candidate who is prepared to relocate. The position will be offered initially as a full-time, non-ongoing role for 18 months with the possibility of further employment at the end of the contract.

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation, the Coalition of Peaks is committed to growing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce in our sector. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for these roles, regardless of your previous experience. The Coalition of Peaks values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, doing and knowing as core skills to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of all positions in our organisation.

Three highlights of working in this role / team

1. Shape national change: Drive high-impact communications that amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, influence policy reform, and help bring the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to life.
2. Work at the heart of community-led advocacy: Collaborate closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, member peaks, media, and government to build visibility, influence, and trust.
3. Be part of a growing, values-driven team: Join a dynamic, culturally safe organisation committed to reshaping how governments and communities work together, with a strong focus on leadership, inclusion, and impact.

The main duties include:

• Implement the strategic communications and media strategy, aligning with the goals of the Coalition of Peaks and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
• Lead proactive media engagement and issues management, providing timely advice and generating positive coverage for the organisation and its members.
• Cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with media outlets, journalists, community stakeholders, and government representatives.
• Develop high-quality editorial and campaign content, including media releases, social media posts, articles, newsletters, talking points, and digital content.
• Coordinate the development of flagship publications, including the Annual Report and Implementation Plan.
• Support Peaks Members in strengthening their communications capacity, including through content collaboration, resource and toolkit development, peer learning support, and facilitation of member networks.
• Maintain and update website editorial content, maintaining accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the Coalition of Peaks’ messaging and strategic priorities.
• Track and analyse media coverage and campaign performance, using data and insights to inform continuous improvement.
• Evaluate communications effectiveness through media monitoring, social analytics, and stakeholder feedback, and apply insights to refine strategies.
• Contribute to a culturally safe, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that reflects the values and aspirations of the Coalition of Peaks.

Qualifications, technical expertise and experience required

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public policy, media, or a related discipline.
• Experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, government communications, or health and social policy is highly desirable.

To apply

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email at [email protected], using the subject line: Assistant Director - Communications enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For general information about the Coalition of Peaks visit our website.

What’s on offer

• Generous not-for-profit Salary Packaging benefits (up to $18,550)
• Job satisfaction including excellent opportunities to grow one’s skills
• 15% Superannuation

A position description is attached.