Social Media Adviser

Department/team: Media and Communications

Job type: Permanent ongoing position

Full time/Part time: Full time

Location: Canberra

Role classification: $117,540 – $127,008 including up to 17% super

About the Academy

The Australian Academy of Science is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organisation delivering science-based advice and advocacy and championing science for the benefit of all.

We convene the country’s leading experts from broad scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy that informs government policy, aids decision-making across industry, guides public debate, supports STEM education outcomes, and contributes to global science.

We are one of five Learned Academies in Australia and a self-governing Fellowship that includes many of Australia’s distinguished scientists.

The Academy operates out of two iconic heritage listed buildings, the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in the centre of Canberra.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Academy Fellows and employees live and work, and to their elders, past and present.

The Academy has a significant social media following across five platforms with Australian and international audiences in the science sector and beyond.  

Our culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust.

The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion; and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff.

We promote a culture that supports collaboration, initiative and ingenuity, investing in staff to nurture and develop them as professionals. 

Employee benefits

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support. Staff benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• free parking in the city
• up to 17% superannuation
• salary packaging options
• flexible working hours
• paid Christmas closedown
• employee assistance program
• professional development support.

About the position

We are seeking a skilled social media professional to develop and execute the Academy’s social media strategy. If you love multitasking and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, then this may be your role.

This role requires a proactive, forward-thinking individual with strong initiative and the ability to anticipate trends in digital and social media marketing, supported by up-to-date technical skills.

You will develop innovative digital communication campaigns, deploy a dynamic publishing schedule, promote the Academy through paid and influencer marketing strategies, oversee comment moderation and community building, and use analytics to measure impact and engagement.

This is a hands-on role reporting to the Head of Media and Communications, benefiting from support from two junior team members and working closely with all members of the Media and Communications team.

If you have excellent digital communications skills, good judgement, a passion for science communication/journalism, and an understanding of how to apply AI in a social media marketing, apply now.

For full details on the role, please refer to the position description.

Selection criteria

• Qualifications and experience: Tertiary-level qualification or equivalent experience in a marketing/communications, science, science communications, or related discipline is desirable. At least five years’ professional experience in content creation, digital marketing and/or social media management.
• Digital leadership: Demonstrated experience leading the development and execution of digital engagement and social media strategies that support organisational objectives, including community engagement, audience growth, and brand positioning.
• Advanced social media practice: Significant professional experience managing business or organisational social media accounts across a broad range of platforms, with the ability to rapidly adapt to emerging channels, tools, and trends.
• Content development and editorial judgement: Proven ability to source, curate, and produce highquality digital content, including copy, visuals, and multimedia assets, with strong editorial judgement and attention to detail.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills: Outstanding copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences, while working within established style guidelines.
• Science communication capability: Demonstrated understanding of, and enthusiasm for, broad science concepts and science communication, including the ability to work collaboratively with scientists, senior management, and subject-matter experts.
• Paid, organic, and influencer marketing experience: Experience planning and executing organic and paid social media campaigns, including audience targeting, budget management, and leveraging stakeholder or influencer relationships to extend reach and impact.
• Community management and stakeholder engagement: Proven experience moderating social media channels, managing inboxes, and responding to complex or sensitive enquiries with sound judgement, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Data, analytics, and reporting: Strong capability in analysing digital performance data and trends, translating insights into actionable recommendations, and producing high-quality reports for senior leadership.
• Autonomy, organisation, and risk management: Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in a hands-on role, manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and identify and mitigate reputational and operational risks.
• Professional values and workplace commitment: Commitment to workplace diversity, equity and inclusion, work health and safety, and collaborative participation within a small, high-performing team.

How to apply

If this role sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• your résumé
• a cover letter (max. two pages) explaining why this role is for you and how you’ll contribute to our team. Please refer to the selection criteria.

Please apply via Seek or directly to hr@science.org.au

Applications close 5.00 pm AEDT Friday 30 January 2026, however we will be processing applications as they arrive.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.