Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communications and Engagement Advisor

Ahpra considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position. This position is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants in accordance with relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation.

Lead culturally safe communications that support real change in healthcare.

Ahpra's overall purpose is to protect the public by regulating health practitioners efficiently and effectively in the public interest to facilitate access to safer healthcare for all the community. Ahpra and the National Scheme, in partnership with the National Scheme's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Group (the Strategy Group) have committed to eliminating racism within healthcare in Australia.

Ahpra, as the health practitioner regulator, aims to make patient safety the norm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by ensuring registered health practitioners are practising their profession in a culturally safe way.

About the role

As the Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communications and Engagement Advisor, you will lead the development and delivery of communications that support the National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy.

You will work across Ahpra and with external stakeholders to:

• Elevate Ahpra’s profile within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Provide expert advice on culturally safe communication and engagement
• Develop layered communication strategies across media, digital, and internal channels
• Build strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

This role is central to embedding cultural safety across Ahpra’s work and the broader healthcare system.

About you

You are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who brings:

• Strong communication and engagement skills, with the ability to connect meaningfully with community
• Experience in communications, engagement, or media, ideally in a government or similar organisation
• A deep understanding of cultural safety and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and leaders
• The ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate across teams, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment

Qualifications and experience

• A degree-level qualification in communications, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or related discipline, and/or equivalent experience in communications or engagement
• Experience in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector is highly regarded
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Communicate persuasively with diverse stakeholders
  • Provide strategic communications advice in complex environments
  • Plan and implement communication strategies and evaluate their impact
  • Build consensus and navigate multistakeholder settings

For more information about this role, please see the following role description:  Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communications and Engagement Advisor

What we offer:

• Be part of a values-led organisation committed to equity and cultural safety
• Work with purpose and influence real change in the healthcare system
• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive, inclusive team culture
• Access to professional development and wellbeing initiatives
• Attractive base salary starting at $118,551 plus superannuation and leave loading

To apply:

• Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application.
• Your application must include a resume, a cover letter and selection criteria addressing the “As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the following” section
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.
• For any queries or a confidential discussion regarding this position, please email recruitment@ahpra.gov.au.
• Closing Date: 11.30pm AEDT Sunday 30 November 2025

Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks.

Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies, including  the Flexible working policy.

Ahpra is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of all abilities to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

Ahpra acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continued connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past and present.

With respect, no agencies please