You might not have heard of us (yet). That's kind of the point.

We're Penington Institute: small team, big work, global remit. We tackle an issue that affects far more people than most realise – drug use, and how we can minimise serious harms.

It's complex. It's often misunderstood. And it matters.

We approach it differently, with realism, evidence and humanity. Now we're looking for someone who can help us stand out online and keep the wheels turning behind the scenes while we do it.

This is a role for someone who loves both sides of communications: the creative spark of great content, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-run system behind it.

This is your chance to grow our digital community and keep our communications running smoothly, all in one role.

You'll:

• Manage day-to-day engagement across our social media channels, building a responsive, trusted and active online community
• Plan, create and publish content across social media and our website, helping people to better understand drug issues and why they matter
• Grow supporter participation through campaigns like International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), encouraging people to share, create and act
• Keep our communications engine running – CRM records, distribution lists, content calendars and workflows, all accurate and on time
• Track performance and use what you learn to keep improving how we connect with our community

You'll have real ownership over how we show up online, plus the satisfaction of knowing the systems behind the scenes are running exactly as they should.

About you (aka: the kind of person who'll love this)

You're equal parts creative and organised. You get a kick out of a great piece of content landing well, and just as much satisfaction from a perfectly maintained spreadsheet or an inbox at zero.

You bring:

• Experience managing social media channels and creating content that actually engages people
• Sharp attention to detail and a genuine love of keeping things organised, accurate and on time
• Comfort juggling creative work and administrative tasks in the same day, without dropping either
• Confidence writing for different platforms and audiences, while staying true to an organisation's voice
• A proactive mindset: you spot what needs doing and get on with it

If you've worked in social media, content or digital marketing, and you're also the person who keeps every project on track, this is your moment.

Because:

• The work is important, and needed more than people realise
• No two days look the same: content one hour, coordination the next
• The organisation is small enough that your work is genuinely visible
• You'll help build the systems that let a small team punch above its weight

And because you'll be surrounded by genuinely great people doing meaningful work, without the bureaucracy. 

The practical stuff

• Part time: 0.8 FTE
• Reports to: Communications and Campaigns Manager
• Hybrid working (Carlton based team)
• Competitive salary, plus 12% super and NFP salary packaging 

The bottom line

 If you're looking for a role where you can:

 Bring your creative side and your organised side to work every day

• Help grow a community that cares about an important issue
• Keep a busy communications team running smoothly
• And know your work is seen and valued

 ...this might be it.

Download a copy of the position description here.

We are hoping to recruit quickly so there is no deadline. Apply as soon as possible to be considered for the role. We’re reviewing applications as they come in.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and referee checks.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.