Principal Media and Content Officer

• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

• Full-time permanent position

• Base salary will be in the range $104,616.68 - $113,920.12 + 17% super (HEW Level 7)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

Step into a critical role at the intersection of media, science communication, stakeholder engagement, and reputation building with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), an institute of The University of Queensland.

You will take the lead on QAAFI’s media function – bringing cutting-edge agricultural research to life through compelling, accessible storytelling. You’ll translate complex science into narratives that capture attention and resonate with industry leaders, government, media, and the wider community.

In this fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, you’ll play a key role in elevating QAAFI’s national profile in the media and strengthening high-impact research partnerships, including collaborations with the Queensland Government and the Department of Primary Industries.

This is your opportunity to shape how world-class research is seen, understood, and valued by the agriculture and food industry.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and leading the Institute’s media strategy, editorial schedule and work plan to ensure research achievements and impact are promoted through appropriate channels and aligned with QAAFI and UQ priorities.

• Producing high‑quality media content across written, audio and video formats, managing approvals with funding partners and ensuring content accuracy, accessibility and brand alignment.

• Providing strategic media advice, talking points and media training to senior executives, researchers and industry partners, including guidance to maximise media publicity and  reputational risk management.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with rural and national journalists, leading proactive media campaigns, responding to media enquiries and monitoring coverage with regular reporting to stakeholders.

• Tertiary qualifications in communication, public relations, journalism or a related discipline, with significant experience in a senior media or communications role; or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated expertise.

• A sophisticated understanding of Australian agricultural industries and/or the research sector, gained through experience in education, government, industry bodies or research organisations.

• Demonstrated success designing and delivering contemporary media and communication strategies within a large, complex or research‑intensive organisation.

• Strong knowledge of the Australian media landscape, with established media contacts and a proven ability to place proactive stories and manage media enquiries.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, including experience advising and influencing senior leaders and industry partners.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex scientific content into compelling, audience‑ready material under tight deadlines.

• The ability to work autonomously with sound judgement, managing competing priorities while maintaining quality and professional integrity.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Carolyn Martin, Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement, [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 11:59pm AEST (R-64612).