• Salary: $92,820 - $98,024 + Super + Salary Packaging
• Location: Preston, Melbourne VIC
• Employment Type: Full Time, 12-Month Fixed Term Contract
• Flexibility: 1-2 days WFH

Use your communications skills to help drive justice and systemic change

At Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), communications is more than media releases and social media posts. It is about amplifying Aboriginal voices, influencing public conversation, advocating for systemic reform, and supporting stronger outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We are seeking a talented Communications Officer to join our Policy, Communications and Strategy Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who is passionate about storytelling, media engagement, advocacy, and creating meaningful social impact.

Working closely with the Communications Team Leader, you will help shape and deliver VALS' communications strategy, build strong media relationships, support advocacy campaigns, and ensure our work reaches communities, stakeholders, decision-makers and the broader public.

About VALS

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the state's only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Since 1973, VALS has provided culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. We also deliver a range of community support services, including a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing programs, family violence initiatives, client support services, and community legal education.

Our work is grounded in self-determination, cultural safety, and community-led advocacy.

About the Team

The Policy, Communications and Strategy Team drives VALS' advocacy, policy reform, media engagement and public communications. We work closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, government, media, community stakeholders and justice sector partners to advance Aboriginal rights and influence meaningful change.

This is a collaborative, fast-paced team where your work will directly contribute to public awareness, advocacy outcomes and positive change for Aboriginal communities.

About the Role

As Communications Officer, you will play a key role in developing and delivering communications activities across the organisation.
You will create compelling content, manage media engagement opportunities, coordinate social media channels, support public campaigns, maintain the VALS website, and help prepare senior leaders and spokespeople for media and public appearances.

This role suits someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and hands-on content creation, and who is passionate about using communications as a tool for social justice and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications campaigns that support VALS strategic priorities
• Create engaging content across media, digital and social media platforms
• Draft media releases, opinion pieces, statements, articles and campaign materials
• Identify and pitch proactive media opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets
• Coordinate media enquiries and support media engagement activities
• Monitor media coverage and provide insights on emerging trends and issues
• Support VALS spokespeople with media preparation and briefing materials
• Manage and grow VALS' social media presence and engagement
• Maintain and update the VALS website
• Coordinate webinars, events and online engagement activities
• Collaborate across the organisation to identify stories, campaigns and advocacy opportunities
• Build productive relationships with community organisations, stakeholders and sector partners

About You

You are a strong communicator with exceptional writing skills and a passion for advocacy and social justice.

You understand how to craft compelling stories, build media relationships, and create content that resonates with diverse audiences. You are highly organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Most importantly, you are committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and advancing positive social change.

What You'll Bring

• Experience in communications, media, public relations, journalism, advocacy or campaigns
• Outstanding writing, editing and storytelling skills
• Experience developing content across traditional and digital media platforms
• Demonstrated success pitching stories and securing media coverage
• Knowledge of the Australian media landscape
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience supporting advocacy or social justice initiatives
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Proficiency in Canva, Microsoft Office and media monitoring tools
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud products is highly regarded

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Media or a related discipline, and/or significant relevant experience
• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• Current Victorian Driver Licence
• National Criminal History Check
• Full Australian working rights

Why Join VALS?

• Meaningful work that contributes to justice and positive community outcomes
• Salary packaging benefits that increase your take-home pay
• Flexible and supportive workplace culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Work alongside passionate and experienced advocates, lawyers and community leaders
• Be part of an organisation that has been advocating for Aboriginal rights and justice for more than 50 years

Apply Now

If you are passionate about communications, advocacy and social justice, and want to use your skills to help create meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed as received. Early applications are encouraged.