A rare opportunity to join a dynamic for-purpose Australian charity that works at the intersection of government and universities. Use your digital communications and design skills to help us connect policymakers and experts, amplify impactful ideas, and share knowledge that contributes to solving some of Australia’s most pressing policy challenges.

The Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI) – formerly the James Martin Institute for Public Policy - has an exciting opportunity for someone with strong digital communication and design skills to play a key role in producing and sharing high-quality content that brings our work to wider audiences. APPI seeks an individual who can craft engaging content, support digital campaigns, and contribute to a cohesive and impactful online presence across web, social media, and email marketing. As part of the high-performing External Affairs team, this role helps amplify the Institute’s voice and supports our mission to inform discourse on public policy solutions.

ABOUT US

Launched in 2021 as a joint-venture between government and a coalition of universities, APPI is an independent, non-partisan policy charity dedicated to evidence-based public policy. We help drive innovative solutions to complex challenges across a wide range of areas – from AI to domestic violence, and from housing to intergenerational equity and future energy transitions. We have a high-performing, positive, and supportive organisational culture.

ABOUT YOU

Do you enjoy creating informative and engaging content to connect with audiences through social media, email, and online platforms? Are you looking to build your skills in communications, design, and digital engagement within a mission-driven, not-for-profit organisation? Now is an exciting time to join our team in a creative and rewarding role.

If you think of yourself as someone who is both creative, detail-oriented, and highly organised, then we’d love to hear from you. If you are also highly adaptable, a self-starter and a problem-solver, then we think you’d be well suited to this role. An interest in politics or public policy, and experience working in a for-purpose organisation, would be an advantage.

THE ROLE

You will be responsible for executing and curating digital content for policymakers, research experts and broader stakeholders. As a member of APPI’s External Affairs team, you will design, update, and publish compelling content across both digital and traditional platforms.

Under the guidance of the Head of Communications, you will also oversee the planning, coordinating, and delivery of design and multimedia projects, such as report design and publication, podcasts, videos, and digital campaigns. This includes managing production timelines, coordinating with contributors and creative partners, supporting promotion across digital channels, and ensuring high-quality execution across platforms.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Institutional and project-related communications

• Strategise, design, draft, publish and update institutional content on APPI’s websites and social media platforms.
• Further develop the Institute’s brand collaterals, including MS Word and MS PowerPoint templates.
• Support the planning and delivery of project-related outputs including reports and research papers, including drafting audience-specific content and narratives to build engagement.
• Deliver high-quality external affairs support, in line with this role's broader function and purpose.
• Support new workstreams and initiatives, including partnerships and capacity-building initiatives to mobilise support and resources to achieve APPI’s mission.

Multimedia project management

• Plan and deliver multimedia projects as part of APPI’s communication and engagement strategy and objectives. This includes video and podcast projects, as well as other interactive digital content.
• Develop APPI’s external affairs capacity to deliver diverse products to support the Institute’s broader 2023 Strategy.
• Liaise with external service providers and partners as needed throughout production phases.

Digital communications and marketing

• Collaborate across the APPI team to contribute to digital design, communications and marketing, partnership-building and events.
• Work alongside the relevant colleagues to design, document and execute innovative multi-channel marketing for APPI, leveraging our partner network.
• Provide communications support prior to, during and after events.
• Any other responsibilities or tasks as requested by the Head of Communications or Executive Director for External Affairs, in line with this role’s broader function and purpose.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant role.
• Some professional experience in a relevant or related role.
• Strong, succinct writing skills and editorial experience.
• Demonstrated capability in web design using WordPress.
• Demonstrated flair for visual design using Canva (or similar software) and Adobe Creative Suite.
• High level of organisation and planning skills, preferably with some experience in event coordination such as workshops or webinars.
• Advanced knowledge of video conferencing software, especially MS Teams and Zoom Meetings and Webinars.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office suite.

Preferred

• Prior work experience in communications and event management is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of and passion for web design and development in a start-up environment.
• Demonstrated experience in video production and editing in a professional setting using Adobe Premier Pro (or similar software).

FURTHER DETAILS

• Location: Sydney CBD office with flexible working arrangements
• The position includes a technology allowance, superannuation, and generous annual leave entitlement.
• Remuneration: total remuneration package up to $110,000 commensurate with experience, and with market supplement available for highly qualified candidates.
• Candidates must be entitled to work in Australia.
• Preferred start date: July 2025.

How to apply

Please click Apply Now to submit your application by the closing date. 

Interviews will be held at the Institute on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 June 2025.

Please note: We will be considering applications on a rolling basis and may interview and appoint before the application deadline.

We strongly encourage all eligible and qualified candidates from any background to apply.