Communications Coordinator, Deakin Trials Hub

• Based at HERB (Barwon Health, Geelong) + hybrid work arrangements
• Part-time (0.5 FTE) and fixed-term for 2 years
• HEW 7 $110,171 - $121,309 (prorata part-time) + 17% Superannuation

Why this role matters:

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in advancing clinical research and strengthening partnerships that drive meaningful health outcomes across regional communities. As part of Deakin’s Clinical Trials Hub, you will work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical partners, researchers, and regulatory stakeholders to enhance clinical research capacity, foster innovation, and support the delivery of impactful, locally relevant clinical trials. This role offers the chance to contribute to a growing research ecosystem, elevate Deakin’s profile as a leader in health service and community-based clinical trials, and help expand awareness and engagement across a diverse range of stakeholders. With the opportunity to shape and deliver strategic communications, manage key communication channels, and develop compelling content that supports the Hub’s vision, you will play a vital role in promoting research excellence while enjoying a supportive, collaborative environment and a healthy work-life balance.

What you'll do in this role:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of communication strategies to enhance the Hub’s profile, support its mission, and ensure accurate, audience-focused content.
• Create and coordinate engaging content across the Hub’s communication channels, ensuring alignment with the University’s Master brand guidelines.
• Identify and assess new content distribution opportunities to broaden the Hub’s reach and support strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with triallists, stakeholders and partners to produce engaging, multi-format content within time, budget, and technical constraints.
• Demonstrate professional judgment to develop communication strategies that highlight the Hub’s milestones and achievements.

To be successful, you'll have:

• An undergraduate qualification in communications/marketing or related field plus relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of extensive experience and specialist knowledge, education and/or training.
• Demonstrated expertise in understanding research content and translating that into communication pieces.
• Proven capability to manage relationships and communicate collaboratively across the full spectrum of internal and external stakeholders applying outstanding interpersonal, verbal communication and expert networking skills.
• High-level expertise to create visually engaging communications in-house, where appropriate, using design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Canva.
• Demonstrated ability to disseminate communications effectively using Microsoft SharePoint, WordPress, eDM marketing platforms (MailChimp) and various social media sites and scheduling tools.

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Anne Woollett (Associate Director, Operations and Strategy – Clinical Trials Hub) on anne.woollett@deakin.edu.au.

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 PD - Communications Coordinator, Deakin Trials Hub.pdf

Applications for this position close on Thursday 10th September at 11:55pm.

This opportunity is open to current Deakin continuing, fixed-term and casual staff members only.

Benefits for working with us!

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job – we offer a rewarding career in a flexible and inclusive environment. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne and regional Victoria, you'll find everything you need to thrive. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional leave, access to health and wellbeing programs, and ongoing opportunities for professional learning and career development. Join a supportive team where your ideas are valued, your growth is encouraged, and your work contributes to strengthening Deakin's reputation and engagement with key stakeholders across the health and research sectors.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community. We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks:

In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations. Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University's safety obligations.