• DASSH is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment for all staff.
• We offer flexible work arrangements that can help you balance your work and other responsibilities.
• Our office is based in Canberra and hybrid work is encouraged with the option to work from home full time.
• DASSH offers generous superannuation of 17 per cent.
• This role is 0.8 FTE or 28 hours per week.
• We are offering an initial one year contract with possibility of extension.

About DASSH

The Australasian Council of Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, or DASSH, represents nearly 300 Deans, and Associate and Deputy Deans, from 43 universities across Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa). Our members lead schools and faculties that teach hundreds of thousands of students and several thousand scholars.

DASSH advocates for our disciplines and for greater equality and representation in higher education through engagement with media, government, the community, members and other organisations throughout the Australasian region.

We partner with national and international organisations, work closely with bodies such as the Australian Research Council and the Learned Academies and enjoy relationships with experts and leaders from the higher education sector around the world.

We support our members, through networking events, professional development opportunities, an annual conference and briefings and communications. We also have a Network of Associate and Deputy Deans dedicated to providing professional development and advancement opportunities for emerging leaders.

The role

We are looking for a Policy and Communications Officer who will play a key role in achieving DASSH’s goal of increasing its advocacy efforts and research output. Your main function will be to research and write policy submissions, to conduct research projects under the guidance of the Executive Director and to write communications material that supports the work of the organisation.

This is an opportunity to grow your skills and knowledge with scope for helping shape and drive the research output and advocacy campaigns we deliver.

This is the year of the Universities Accord and we are advocating for the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the role our disciplines play in increasing equality and increased participation at universities. You can read our initial submission Increasing Equity in a Knowledge Economy here.

Primary duties

• Lead the coordination and development of submissions, policy position statements, research briefs and other advocacy materials.
• Monitor State and national media and parliamentary proceedings to identify existing and emerging issues.
• Develop, write, and edit communications materials (blog posts, social media content, newsletter for example).
• Support the Executive Director and key stakeholders in their communications with members.
• Generate original ideas and innovative solutions through the provision of specialist know how and advice as appropriate.

Skills and knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree with at least two years’ subsequent relevant experience.
• Experience in/knowledge of higher education policy.
• Interest in advocating for the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
• Effective research and analysis skills (including quantitative and qualitative).
• Aptitude for using social media with a focus on LinkedIn and developing online content.

A position description with the full list of duties and skills and knowledge required is attached.

To apply please submit your CV and a personal statement no longer than two pages long telling us why you are the best person for this role.

Please contact Executive Director Jane Ryan at [email protected] using the subject line: Policy and Communications Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs if you have any questions.