- $145,985 to $163,281
- Ongoing, full-time
- Gardens Point (hybrid option available)
- Reference number: 26445
- Term: Full-time, ongoing
- Remuneration: Total remuneration range: $172,761 to $193,229 pa (HEW10)
- Location: Gardens Point (hybrid option available)
- Open to: Applicants who have ongoing full-time work rights in Australia. In support of our strategic priority of Indigenous Australian success, Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Who are we looking for? We are seeking a Head, Government and Public Affairs to join Communications and Government Relations, Engagement, Chancellery Division. The Head, Government and Public Affairs supports the Director in developing QUT's government affairs practice, including the systems, protocols and relationships of a contemporary government affairs function, and maintains central visibility of government engagement across the university. The role develops and maintains relationships with government while coordinating multi-sector external engagement activities to meet strategic objectives. It is a direct contributor to positioning QUT as a trusted institutional partner to government in the areas where QUT's expertise is strongest and most closely aligned with government priorities, including Brisbane 2032.

The position supports QUT's reputation management, stakeholder communications and policy advocacy across diverse audiences and sectors. The ideal applicant will have broad experience in both government relations and external stakeholder engagement, with demonstrated capability in political processes, policy development, relationship management and strategic communications. Knowledge of the Higher Education Sector and its complex stakeholder landscape would be highly regarded.

The position provides strategic and operational support to the Director, Communications and Government Relations and senior leaders at the university, managing both government relations activities and broader external stakeholder relationships to advance QUT's strategic interests.

We’re offering this role as a hybrid position as part of QUT’s commitment to embracing the opportunities created by a more virtual and connected world.

About Us

QUT is a major Australian university with a global outlook and a 'real world' focus. We are an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip our students and graduates with the skills they will need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world.

The Engagement Portfolio strives to elevate QUTs profile through strategic and impactful communication and engagement.



The Portfolio is integral to driving engagement, attracting students, and fostering partnerships across government, research, and industry on both national and international fronts. By leveraging innovative engagement, communication and marketing strategies, the Portfolio contributes to the university’s ongoing success and global recognition. The Portfolio includes:

- Marketing and Student Recruitment
- Communications and Government Relations
- Alumni and Engagement.

What You Need To Succeed

- Education, training and/or experience equivalent to completion of postgraduate qualifications in public policy, political science, communications, business, or related discipline.
- Government relations experience at State and/or Commonwealth level, with understanding of policy development, parliamentary procedures, ministerial engagement, and the engagement-records and integrity-and-lobbying disciplines that underpin a contemporary government affairs function.
- Knowledge of the Higher Education Sector including its regulatory environment, policy landscape, and stakeholder ecosystem, or demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire this knowledge.
- Proven experience in external stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors including industry, professional bodies, and community organisations.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior government officials, industry leaders, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strategic thinking and policy analysis capabilities with the ability to assess political environments, synthesize complex information, and develop strategic recommendations.
- Experience in issues management and crisis communications with ability to coordinate responses across multiple stakeholder groups and maintain institutional reputation.
- Strong project management and coordination skills with experience managing multiple stakeholder relationships and complex engagement activities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated fluency with AI tools in analysis, monitoring and briefing workflows, or clear aptitude and appetite to build it.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and Indigenous Australian engagement.





Life at QUT We're Committed To Building a Culture That Fosters Connection Between People And Purpose.

Beyond Personal And Professional

Fulfillment, a Career At QUT Offers

- A healthy work-life balance with a blend of on-campus and off-campus work arrangements for applicable positions.
- Competitive remuneration with up to 17% superannuation and leave loading of 17.5%.
- Generous parental leave including primary carer parental leave of up to 26 weeks (including 17% super).
- Stay healthy with Fitness Passport and enjoy discounted rates on private health insurance.
- Purchased Leave Scheme - up to 8 extra weeks.
- Salary Packaging Scheme for additional superannuation contributions, vehicle leasing, and on-campus services such as childcare, parking, and gyms.
- Numerous opportunities for professional development including leadership programs and workshops, and our study assistance scheme.
- Commitment to our Indigenous Australian staff through initiatives such as the Indigenous Australian Staff Network, Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, Staff Development Workshops, and representation on university committees.

Explore more benefits of life at QUT .

Belong at QUT

We are guided by our values of Ambition, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Academic Freedom and our QUT Connections in our mission to inspire and shape the next generation of change-makers.

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, we proudly support our Indigenous Australians Employment Strategy , aiming for an Indigenous Australian workforce participation of 3.6%. We extend a warm invitation to Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people to join us in pursuing a rewarding career at QUT.

We believe that diversity is our strength and are dedicated to creating protected, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse cultures, ages, linguistic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and those who are living with disabilities to apply for positions at QUT.

At QUT, diversity is not just embraced—it's celebrated. See our commitment

How To Apply

Discover the possibilities that await with a career at QUT. If you're ready to embark on a journey of innovation and opportunity, we're excited to meet you.

Find out more about this position and submit your application by clicking 'Apply' or the link below.

View the job details at: Head, Government and Public Affairs

Job opens: 11-Sep-2026

Applications Close: 25-Sep-2026 at 11.30pm

📌 Head, Government and Public Affairs (Brisbane)
🏢 QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
📍 Brisbane