About The Team
The Alumni & Philanthropy Office leads the University’s philanthropic strategy, delivering initiatives across major gifts, regular giving and philanthropic programs, along with strengthening alumni engagement in Australia and across the globe. At the heart of this work is strategic communication—crafting compelling narratives and engagement initiatives that build meaningful, lasting relationships with alumni and donors, and drive a strong culture of giving and impact.
Join the team in this exciting new senior role, leading the development of strategic communications that elevate alumni engagement and philanthropic impact.
Your New Role – Senior Communications Specialist!
The Senior Communications Specialist is a pivotal leadership role driving high-impact, contemporary communications that elevate alumni engagement and philanthropy at Murdoch University. As part of the Alumni & Philanthropy Leadership Team, you will lead the development of bold, insight-driven strategies—leveraging AI, digital platforms and data analytics—to deliver targeted, audience-centric campaigns.
Partnering closely with the Director, you will shape a sophisticated, data-led approach to storytelling and engagement, building a globally connected alumni and donor community. You will also lead the creation of strategic frameworks, campaigns and assets that strengthen donor relationships.
Please refer to the Candidate Booklet for further details.
What We Offer You!
This Continuous, Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $134K – $140K (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.
You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.
As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:
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Flexible work arrangements
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Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
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Indigenous Language Allowance
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Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
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Employee Assistance Program
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On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic
For further information, check out our benefits and services page!
Join us!
Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -
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A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description found in the Candidate Booklet)
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Your most recent resume (CV)
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Qualifications & experience: Relevant postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) with extensive experience delivering strategic communication campaigns, ideally in higher education or the not-for-profit sector.
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Strategic expertise: Proven ability to design and deliver insight-led, multi-channel campaigns—across digital, social and philanthropic initiatives—that drive measurable outcomes.
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Stakeholder engagement: Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with experience providing strategic advice and working with senior leaders, alumni, donors and diverse stakeholders.
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Content & delivery: Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality content and campaigns while managing competing priorities with strong attention to detail.
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University's Employee Background Checks Procedure.
Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.
Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
Contact Us
For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Jo Nitz, Director Alumni & Philanthropy, [email protected] and quote JR105489 as the reference.
Applications Close on 24 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)
The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.
Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
