Community Development Officer jobs

Competitive salary + 17% superannuation

Full-time, Joondalup campus

Open to candidates with relevant working rights

Growth, Engagement and Marketing
Joondalup campus
Competitive salary + 17% superannuation
Full-time

Edith Cowan University

Are you ready to belong to a dynamic community where courage, creativity, and optimism are essential elements of our DNA? At ECU we’re inspired by the incredible achievements of Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian parliament and a lifelong champion of education. Empowered by her legacy, we’re united in our vision to lead the sector in educational experience and expand our impact through world-class research.

Embrace an opportunity to become part of something extraordinary.

Growth, Engagement and Marketing are the heartbeat of ECU’s growth, committed to showcasing the very best of ECU - who we are, what we offer, and the impact we make. We bring ECU’s story to life, so ECU is seen, chosen and valued. This commitment is reflected in everything we do across engagement, events, communications, brand, marketing, and customer experience. Our work plays a critical role in enhancing the University’s reputation by shaping how ECU is perceived and experienced by its many audiences.

About the Opportunity

The Associate Director, PR, Communications & Events is a key leadership position reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, leading a team of communications and events specialists responsible for media relations, internal and external communications, corporate events and executive communications.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership of ECU’s PR, communications and events portfolio, strengthening the University’s reputation and public profile.
Develop and implement proactive media, executive and internal communication strategies that enhance ECU’s visibility, advocacy and community connection.
Oversee corporate and milestone events, including graduations and significant University occasions such as Open Day, ensuring these are leveraged for communication and engagement outcomes.
Advise and support the Vice-Chancellor and University Executive on strategic and issues management, including crisis communications and media relations.
Promote ECU’s research achievements, rankings and thought leadership, reinforcing its reputation for excellence and innovation.
Lead, coach and empower a team of communications and event professionals, fostering collaboration, creativity and accountability.
Build strong relationships across the University and external stakeholders to deliver impactful, values-led communications aligned with ECU’s strategic objectives.

About you

You’re a credible, composed communications leader who excels at influencing and connecting. You’ll bring:

Proven experience in communications, media and public relations within a large or complex organisation; experience in higher education will be advantageous but is not essential.
Significant experience in media and stakeholder engagement, issues and crisis management and executive communications.
Experience developing and delivering integrated communication campaigns and public relations initiatives.
Proven ability to use insights and analytics to inform messaging and measure reputation outcomes and track performance of initiatives.
Strong leadership experience with the ability to inspire, develop and empower a team to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Capability to provide media coaching and training to senior leaders and Schools to support effective media engagement.
Demonstrated experience working closely with senior executives to deliver clear, strategic and influential communications that strengthen stakeholder relationships.

Benefits of working at ECU

At ECU we’re committed to fostering a positive employment experience and believe this is fundamental to the success and satisfaction of our employees. Growth and development matter here, because we recognise people are at the centre of everything we do. Our thriving work culture is guided by the ECU values and complemented by a range of employee benefits; visit our website to read about flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, our commitment to Wellbeing, exclusive corporate discounts and industry-leading superannuation.

Contact

Ashe Munro Recruitment are proudly partnering with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to appoint this key leadership role. For any questions or a confidential discussion, contact Natalie Munro on 0410 884 172 or natalie@ashemunro.com

Application Process

Please submit your application (resume and a 2-page cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role, based on the key responsibilities) to natalie@ashemunro.com

Advert Closure

Applications close Wednesday 26 November, 2025 at 11:30pm AWST.
ECU reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date, and encourage applicants to submit their applications early.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM CANDIDATES WHO HAVE THE RELEVANT WORKING RIGHTS TO FILL THIS POSITION.

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace with specific strategies and initiatives in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. We strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and faith. For more information on our commitment to equity and diversity, please visit our Inclusive Workplace website.

At ECU, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively encourage people with disability to apply to ECU. To discuss how we can support adjustment requirements, please contact the person listed above.

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Position description