Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation.
Role highlights
- Lead CSIRO’s Indigenous communications team
- Drive strategic communications that amplify Indigenous voices, knowledges, science, partnerships and achievements to shapechange across CSIRO and Australia
- Partner with CSIRO’s leaders nationally including leaders in Indigenous Science and Engagement, Indigenous Employment and Research
The opportunity
CSIRO is seeking an experienced and culturally grounded communications leader to lead the Indigenous communications team.
This newly created, high-impact role reflects our unwavering commitment to Indigenous science, Indigenous knowledges, employment and reconciliation across Australia’s national science agency.
As part of the Communications Unit, reporting to the Executive Manager, Community and Industry Engagement, with a dotted reporting line to the Head, Indigenous Science and Engagement Office, you will lead a small team of communications professionals, setting the strategic direction, priorities and work program for the Indigenous communication team.
You will be the senior communications partner working with CSIRO’s Indigenous Science and Engagement Office and Indigenous Employment team, while also providing strategic communication guidance to CSIRO more broadly.
Your team’s work will amplify Indigenous voices, strengthen recognition of Indigenous science and knowledges, support the growth of the Indigenous STEM talent pipeline and contribute to a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel culturally safe, valued and able to thrive.
Through engaging storytelling, event activation and reputation management, you will help craft positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander people and communities, and for CSIRO.
Your leadership mandate
You will:
- Lead the delivery of CSIRO’s Indigenous communications strategy.
- Directly manage, coach and develop a team of communications professionals.
- Lead internal and external communications supporting CSIRO’s Reconciliation Action Plan, Indigenous Science and Engagement priorities and Indigenous Employment agenda.
- Advise senior leaders on complex, sensitive and high-profile communication and reputation matters.
- Oversee culturally informed campaigns, storytelling and content to amplify Indigenous voices, leadership, expertise and achievement.
- Oversee communications to ensure outputs are accurate, respectful, culturally appropriate and aligned with CSIRO’s communication, governance and risk frameworks.
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
Essential criteria snapshot
- High level cultural capability grounded in lived experience as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, with strong community connection, credibility and cultural authority.
- Demonstrated experience in communications - developing and delivering communication, engagement and marketing strategies that support Indigenous priorities, outcomes or community engagement.
- Experience leading communication teams.
- Strong relationship-building, influencing and communication skills working with communities, partners and organisational stakeholders.
For full details about this role, and the complete selection criteria, please review the Position Description.
Role particulars
Location and office arrangements: Major capital cities preferred, and other locations may be considered. Hybrid working and flexible work options available.
Salary: AU$135,571 to AU$158,863 per annum, plus 15.4% superannuation.
Tenure and work schedule: Indefinite, full-time.
Reference: 103435
Setting you up for success
We know that everyone works differently. If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role itself, we are happy to discuss options such as flexible hours, alternative communication methods, cultural or family obligations, or physical adjustments. Please let us know how we can support your full participation.
Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.
Our commitment to inclusion, safety and cultural respect
CSIRO is committed to creating respectful, supportive and safe workplaces where people feel valued and able to contribute. We are committed to building safe and inclusive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to supporting greater participation and leadership across all parts of the organisation.
By fostering inclusion, belonging and cultural safety, not just representation, we strengthen innovation, deepen impact and ensure the solutions we create reflect the communities and Country we work on and with.
Eligibility
CSIRO considers the filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity/affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Citizenship.
The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
The successful candidate will be required to provide contact details of at least one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Referee to confirm their ability to work and communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a pre-employment background check and may be subject to other security, medical or character clearance requirements.
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
How to apply
Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role. Internal applicants should apply via Jobs Central.
Applications close
27 August 2026, 11:00pm AEST
