Senior Communications & Engagement Officer

Aga Khan Foundation Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aga Khan Foundation Australia (AKF Australia) is seeking an experienced, creative and values-led Senior Communications & Engagement Officer to shape and deliver AKF Australia’s communications of its purpose, programmes and impact to Australian audiences, and to engage its growing community of supporters.

Reporting directly to the Country Director and collaborating with AKF’s Global Communications team, the role combines strategic communications with hands-on delivery across content, digital

Qualifications

• Must have related tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong writing and editing skills with ability to simplify complex ideas.
• Experience with digital channels, CMS, and email marketing.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver communications strategies.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work across cultures and with international teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver AKF Australia’s annual communications and engagement strategy.
• Write, edit and produce high-quality content across articles, newsletters, social media and donor materials.
• Manage AKF Australia’s website, social channels and email activity; monitor performance.
• Source stories and visuals from programmes and translate development work for Australian audiences.
• Develop donor communications, impact reporting and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate with AKF Global Communications and adapt global campaigns for Australia.
• Create donor and community event communications journeys and coordinate with partners.
• Prepare media releases, statements and briefing notes as required.

Skills

Storytelling

Editing

Content creation

Digital marketing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Tools

Mailchimp

WordPress

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Job description

Help connect Australian audiences with development work changing lives around the world.

ABOUT AGA KHAN FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA

Aga Khan Foundation Australia was established in 2022 as the Foundation’s outreach and resource mobilisation office in Australia, focusing on building partnerships and mobilising resources in support of Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)’s programmes across Africa, Central and South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Foundation is entering an exciting period of growth in Australia and is seeking an experienced, creative and values-led Senior Communications & Engagement Officer to help shape how its purpose, programmes and impact are communicated to Australian audiences. Working directly with the Country Director and closely with AKF's Global Communications team, this role combines excellent writing, digital communications, storytelling, supporter engagement and hands‑on delivery. AKF is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

POSITION SUMMARY

AKF Australia is seeking an experienced, creative and values-led Senior Communications & Engagement Officer to shape and deliver AKF Australia's communications of its purpose, programmes and impact to Australian audiences, and to engage its growing community of supporters.

Reporting directly to the Country Director, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to AKF’s Global Communications team, this newly created role combines communications strategy with hands‑on delivery across content, digital communications, donor and stakeholder communications, external communications, and event communications. The role works closely with the Fundraising and Partnerships Officer and colleagues across AKF globally.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deliver AKF Australia’s annual communications and engagement strategy, aligned with fundraising objectives, AKF’s global strategy and brand.
• Write, edit and produce high-quality content across articles, impact stories, newsletters, social media, presentations, donor materials and other public-facing communications.
• Manage AKF Australia’s website, social media channels, e-newsletters and email marketing activity, monitoring performance and using insights to improve engagement.
• Work with AKF programme teams and country offices to source stories, data, and visuals, and to translate complex international development work for Australian audiences.
• Work with the Fundraising and Partnerships Officer to develop donor communications, impact reporting, cases for support, proposals and stewardship materials.
• Maintain strong collaboration with AKF’s Global Communications team, adapting global campaigns and content for Australia and contributing Australian content and insights globally.
• Develop communications and supporter journeys for donor and community events and work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and suppliers to support delivery.
• Prepare media releases, statements, spokesperson materials and briefing notes as required, and support appropriate media opportunities and enquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Five years or more of progressive experience in communications, marketing, engagement or a related role.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences.
• Hands‑on experience across digital communications, website content management, social media and email marketing platforms.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering communications strategies or campaigns and measuring their impact.
• Excellent judgement, attention to detail and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures, geographies and functions.
• A genuine commitment to international development, gender equality and AKF’s mission and values.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience within international development, an international NGO, philanthropy, foundations, fundraising, government or another public‑purpose organisation.
• Experience with email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, website content management systems such as WordPress, and digital analytics.
• Graphic design or basic video‑editing skills, including tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in donor communications, media relations or working within a global or matrixed organisation.
• Knowledge of gender-sensitive and safeguarding‑aware communications approaches.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

INCLUSION AND SAFEGUARDING

AKF is committed to gender equality, inclusion and safeguarding throughout its programmes and operations. AKF Australia welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is committed to ensuring that staff, partners and programme participants are kept safe from harm.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.