Associate Director, Strategic Communications

Queensland University of Technology; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) seeks an Associate Director, Strategic Communications to lead an integrated function spanning internal, external and executive communications. The role shifts the function to an audience-focused, evidence-led model aligned to institutional priorities and impact, with emphasis on communications for Brisbane 2032.

Based at Kelvin Grove campus, you will shape strategy, governance and measurement, and influence executive decision-making to support QUT’s

Qualifications

• Experience leading an integrated strategic communications function in large organisations.
• Ability to align communications strategy with organisational objectives and provide high-level advice.
• Experience in reputation management, crisis communications and issues management.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and ability to influence executive leaders.
• Strong strategic, analytical and decision-making capabilities with use of insights and evaluation.
• Proven leadership of high-performing teams through change and transformation.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and Indigenous Australian engagement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Reputation management

Data-driven decision making

Change management

Indigenous engagement

Education

Relevant degree in communications/related field

Job description

Associate Director, Strategic Communications

Queensland University of Technology – Kelvin Grove QLD

1d ago , from Queensland University of Technology

• Term: This appointment will be offered on a fixed-term, full-time basis for 5 years.
• Remuneration: An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• Location: Kelvin Grove campus
• Reference number: 26622

Who are we looking for?

This position leads Strategic Communications as an integrated institutional capability, bringing together internal, external and executive communications to strengthen how QUT plans, produces and measures communication.

The Associate Director, Strategic Communications is responsible for shifting the function to a more audience-focused and evidence-led model, ensuring communication effort is aligned to institutional priorities, informed by impact measurement, and positioned to support QUT’s reputation through the audiences, media and moments that matter, including the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.

About us

QUT is a major Australian university with a global outlook and a 'real world' focus. We are an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip our students and graduates with the skills they will need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world.

The Engagement Portfolio strives to elevate QUTs profile through strategic and impactful communication and engagement. The Portfolio is integral to driving engagement, attracting students, and fostering partnerships across government, research, and industry on both national and international fronts. By leveraging innovative engagement, communication and marketing strategies, the Portfolio contributes to the university’s ongoing success and global recognition.

What you need to succeed

• Relevant education, training and/or extensive experience leading an integrated strategic communications function within large, complex organisations, including responsibility for strategic direction, operating model design, organisational capability development and service excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to align communications strategy, planning, prioritisation and resources with organisational objectives, including the provision of high-level strategic advice that influences executive decision-making and delivers institutional outcomes.
• Significant experience in reputation management, communications risk, crisis communications and issues management, including the provision of expert advice to executive leaders on complex, sensitive and high-profile matters.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships, support executive communications, represent an organisation in governance forums, and engage effectively across internal and external networks.
• Highly developed strategic, analytical and decision-making capabilities, including the use of insights, performance measurement and evaluation to inform organisational planning, demonstrate impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Proven success leading and developing high-performing teams through change and transformation, with accountability for people, culture, financial management, capability development and the adoption of innovative and technology-enabled ways of working.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and Indigenous Australian engagement.

Life at QUT

We're committed to building a culture that fosters connection between people and purpose. Beyond personal and professional fulfillment, a career at QUT offers:

• A healthy work-life balance with a blend of on-campus and off-campus work arrangements for applicable positions.
• Competitive remuneration with up to 17% superannuation.
• Generous parental leave including primary carer parental leave of up to 26 weeks (including 17% super).
• Stay healthy with Fitness Passport and enjoy discounted rates on private health insurance.
• Salary Packaging Scheme for additional superannuation contributions, vehicle leasing, and on-campus services such as childcare, parking, and gyms.
• Numerous opportunities for professional development including leadership programs and workshops, and our study assistance scheme.
• Commitment to our Indigenous Australian staff through initiatives such as the Indigenous Australian Staff Network, Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, Staff Development Workshops, and representation on university committees.

Explore more benefits of life at QUT.

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, we proudly support our Indigenous Australians Employment Strategy, aiming for an Indigenous Australian workforce participation of 3.6%. We extend a warm invitation to Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people to join us in pursuing a rewarding career at QUT.

We believe that diversity is our strength and are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse cultures, ages, linguistic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and those who are living with disabilities to apply for positions at QUT.

At QUT, diversity is not just embraced—it's celebrated. See our commitment

Job opens: 4 November 2026

Applications Close: 11:30pm AEST on Tuesday, 24 November 2026