Digital and Content Officer
APS5
Townsville, Cairns, Canberra
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Sunday 13 September 2026, 11:59pm AEST
The Position
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and adaptable digital professional to join our small team at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australia’s lead management agency for the Reef.
Working as part of the broader Communication section, you will provide strategic input into the Reef Authority’s digital and marketing plan, processes and reporting to ensure our digital channels remain user-focused, accessible, on-brand and continue to position the Reef Authority as the authoritative voice for the Reef.
In this position, you will play a key role in managing and enhancing the Reef Authority’s digital presence, with a strong focus on website management, GovCMS administration, graphic and multimedia design, user experience (UX), digital optimisation and emerging technologies.
You will contribute to the development of audience-focused content and graphics across our website, social media and other digital channels, while identifying opportunities to improve accessibility, discoverability, search performance and user engagement.
You will support the ongoing enhancement of the Reef Authority’s website through content management, web design, search engine optimisation (SEO), analytics and digital best practice. You will also contribute to the evaluation and implementation of AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies that improve content development, operational efficiency and user experience.
You'll know your way around content management systems, website analytics, design software, social media platforms and scheduling tools, and be able to apply your skills in digital content, graphic and multimedia design, copywriting and digital optimisation to maximise audience reach, improve user experience and deliver measurable outcomes.
The position also supports the team in providing digital advice, creative assets and communication products to internal and external stakeholders, and contributes to projects that support the broader communications strategy across the organisation.
What you'll do
- Contribute to the Reef Authority’s digital and marketing initiatives by providing strategic and practical advice, identifying opportunities to improve our digital channels, and delivering audience-focused digital experiences through contemporary website, content and marketing practices.
- Manage, maintain and enhance the Reef Authority’s corporate website through GovCMS, including content publishing, website optimisation, user experience improvements, SEO, accessibility, information architecture and content governance.
- Support the evaluation and implementation of AI-enabled tools and emerging digital technologies to improve digital services and audience experience.
- Develop engaging and accessible digital content across websites, social media and other communication channels, including written content, graphic and multimedia design, infographics, digital assets and publication design where appropriate.
- Support the planning, design and delivery of digital communication campaigns that align with organisational priorities.
- Contribute to the cooordination and management of social media platforms, including moderation, handling comments and messages, monitoring performance, and engaging with key stakeholder channels to increase awareness and support organisational objectives.
- Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the Reef Authority's digital channels by monitoring analytics, identifying optimisation opportunities, maintaining website quality, and supporting the Digital Manager with digital strategy, reporting, website governance and continuous improvement.
- As part of the team, participate in section functions including media relations, media clips, after-hours on-call roster and media liaison.
What you'll bring
- You are an experienced digital communications professional with demonstrated experience managing websites, digital platforms and online communication channels using contemporary digital principles and best practice.
- You have experience administering content management systems (preferably GovCMS or Drupal), improving user experience, applying SEO principles and using analytics to inform digital improvements.
- You have strong graphic design, multimedia production, content design and copywriting skills, with the ability to create engaging digital assets, publications and communication products for websites, social media and other digital channels and print media.
- You are interested in emerging digital technologies, including AI-enabled tools, and can identify opportunities to improve digital services, workflows and user experience.
- You're focused, productive and know how to identify priorities, manage competing requests and deliver high-quality work within deadlines.
- You keep up to date with emerging digital trends, website technologies, accessibility standards and online communication practices.
- You work collaboratively across the organisation, with stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver high-quality digital outcomes.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Braden Smith, Digital Manager, Ph. 0433 401 907
Why join the Reef Authority?
At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.
You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
Essential Requirements
- Demonstrated experience in creating content (graphic design, video, photo) and strong knowledge of related software applications such as Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience in website content management systems.
- Be able to travel and participate in on-call media roster, including working weekends and outside core hours when required.
To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.
How to apply
The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.
While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.
Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.
Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.
You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.
Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:
- how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
- any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
- how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.
When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.
Please complete your application online and provide:
- your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
- proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
- a current curriculum vitae (resume)
Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.
PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.
Notes
- The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
- We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Eligibility
Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:
- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.
