Community Engagement Officer

Melbourne Catholic; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

The Catholic Development Fund (CDF) invites applications for a Community Engagement Officer based in Melbourne. Part-time or casual role with regular travel, focused on engaging parish communities, schools and Catholic organisations.

You will deliver presentations, build lasting relationships, promote CDF work and support community initiatives to make a tangible social impact. Reporting to the Executive Manager, Retail & Marketing, you’ll receive training and mentoring, with Sundays included for

Qualifications

• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Experience in community engagement and relationship management.
• Ability to travel regularly and work independently while collaborating with a team.

Responsibilities

• Represent and promote CDF through presentations and engagement activities across parishes, schools and Catholic organisations.
• Build strong relationships with parish priests, principals, community leaders and prospective clients.
• Deliver engaging presentations that clearly communicate CDF’s purpose, products and community impact.
• Tailor content and messaging to suit different audiences and community groups.
• Support community engagement initiatives alongside the Retail, Marketing and Relationship Management teams.
• Identify and develop opportunities to grow awareness and participation in CDF Community Fund products.
• Act as a trusted ambassador for CDF’s mission, values and services.
• Develop communication materials including presentations, emails, flyers, digital content and promotional resources.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure communications and activities meet compliance requirements.
• Foster meaningful community connections that support long‑term engagement and growth.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Relationship building

Time management

Independence

MS Office 365

Community engagement

Customer service

Sales/Marketing experience

Willing to travel

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Catholic Development Fund East Melbourne VIC 3002

Build relationships. Engage communities. Make a meaningful difference.

Part-time or Casual Opportunity | Melbourne-based with regular travel

The Opportunity

Are you a confident communicator who enjoys connecting with people and building lasting relationships?

At Catholic Development Fund (CDF), we're looking for a Community Engagement Officer to be the face of our organisation within parish, school and community networks. This is a unique opportunity to combine relationship building, community engagement and public speaking in a role that creates genuine impact.

You’ll work closely with parish communities, schools and Catholic organisations, delivering engaging presentations, promoting the work of CDF and helping people understand how their participation supports projects that strengthen communities across Victoria. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on meeting new people, enjoys presenting to a variety of audiences and is passionate about building meaningful connections.

Reporting to the Executive Manager, Retail & Marketing, you’ll be supported by a highly experienced Client Services team and provided with comprehensive training and mentoring to help you succeed. This position may be offered on either a part‑time or casual basis, depending on the successful candidate’s availability and preference. The role requires regular travel, a current driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle. As part of engaging with parish communities, the role includes a regular half‑day commitment on Sundays to support parish presentations and community outreach activities.

About Catholic Development Fund

Supporting communities. Enabling mission. Creating lasting impact.

Catholic Development Fund (CDF) is a values‑based financial institution that supports Catholic organisations across education, healthcare, aged care, social services and parish communities.

Our work helps bring important projects to life. From creating learning opportunities for students and supporting healthcare services to strengthening local communities, we provide the funding and expertise that enables organisations to fulfil their mission.

Through trusted partnerships, financial expertise and a commitment to service, we help Catholic organisations and everyday people make a meaningful difference and contribute to stronger, more connected communities.

About the Role

You will:

• Represent and promote CDF through presentations and engagement activities across parishes, schools and Catholic organisations.
• Build strong relationships with parish priests, principals, community leaders and prospective clients.
• Deliver engaging presentations that clearly communicate CDF’s purpose, products and community impact.
• Tailor content and messaging to suit different audiences and community groups.
• Support community engagement initiatives alongside the Retail, Marketing and Relationship Management teams.
• Identify and develop opportunities to grow awareness and participation in CDF Community Fund products.
• Act as a trusted ambassador for CDF’s mission, values and services.
• Develop communication materials including presentations, emails, flyers, digital content and promotional resources.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure communications and activities meet compliance requirements.
• Foster meaningful community connections that support long‑term engagement and growth.

What You’ll Bring

You're an approachable and enthusiastic communicator who enjoys building relationships and engaging with diverse audiences.

• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to build rapport and establish trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Confidence working independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to quickly learn and clearly explain information to different audiences.
• Experience in community engagement, relationship management, customer service, sales or marketing will be highly regarded.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• A current driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly.

Why Join CDF?

• Meaningful work that helps support projects making a positive difference in communities.
• Purpose‑driven organisation with a strong commitment to faith, service and community.
• Comprehensive training and mentoring to support your success and professional growth.
• Flexible employment options with part‑time or casual arrangements available.
• Supportive and collaborative culture where relationships and teamwork are valued.
• Opportunity to engage directly with community leaders and organisations across Victoria.

Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.

The Archdiocese is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults.

At the heart of who we are is not all the buildings but the person of Jesus Christ, who enters into our lives and who we then share with others.