ReefTO Comms and Creative Project Manager

Overview

ReefTO Communications & Creative Project Manager

Join a vibrant team in a new Traditional Owner-led initiative

- Lead delivery of flagship storytelling with a values-driven team shaping the future of the Reef
- Remote working in Queensland (or hybrid in Brisbane)
- Full time Fixed Term Contract until 30 March 2028
- Salary $110,000 - $125,000 (+ super) depending on experience
- Identified Role: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only, with preference for Reef Traditional Owners

About ReefTO:

The Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO) is a grassroots, Traditional Owner-led initiative that honours the decades of work by Elders to assert cultural authority and rights to sea country. We're not just asking for a seat at the table - we're building our own.

ReefTO is guided by the Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan, a living document created by mob, for mob. Our mission is to amplify Traditional Owner voices, elevate priorities, and drive genuine partnerships across the Reef.

ReefTO has three key objectives over the next 2-3 years:

1. Engage with Traditional Owners to establish a Sea Country Alliance.
2. Oversee strategic policy and capacity building actions in the TO Implementation Plan.
3. Monitor and report on the delivery of actions in the TO Implementation Plan.

We're currently in build-mode - laying strong foundations, navigating ambiguity, and pushing for impact. We need passionate, skilled people who are up for the challenge

ReefTO is hosted by the Pollination Foundation until a Sea Country Alliance is set up.

The role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications & Creative Project Manager to join ReefTO and help amplify the voices of Reef Traditional Owners. Working closely with the Director, Communications & Creative, you will oversee major projects such as the Elders Series, a full-length documentary, and a content creation training program for Traditional Owners. You will also coordinate communications to support ranger groups in adopting a new cultural heritage and land management system, ensuring the process is accessible, culturally respectful, and well communicated.

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on project management. You will shape and share compelling stories across multiple platforms, lead the production of the quarterly Sea Country Bulletin, and maintain strong relationships with Elders, Traditional Owners, and media partners. You will also manage external contributors (including production teams, trainers, and creative collaborators) ensuring their work reflects ReefTO's values and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols.

Above all, you will help ensure Reef Traditional Owners are seen, heard, and celebrated through high-quality, culturally grounded communications that honour knowledge holders and bring their stories to wider audiences with integrity.

For more detail, please read our Information Pack.

Responsibilities include:

- Deliver a storytelling series that captures and shares (where appropriate) the knowledge and lived experiences of Reef Traditional Owner Elders through high-quality formats.
- Coordinate the production of a full-length documentary, managing milestones and collaboration with an external production team to bring the Sea Country Alliance story to life.
- Engage and manage suppliers to co-design and deliver a content creation program for Traditional Owners, building skills in videography, podcasting, photography, journalism, and creative writing.
- Support the onboarding of ranger groups to a secure cultural heritage and land management system, coordinating subscriptions, training, and communications that support secure cultural data management.
- Work with Director, Communications & Creative to produce the quarterly Sea Country Bulletin publication, ensuring it consistently features Traditional Owner voices and stories in a high-quality, accessible format.
- Shape and share compelling stories that highlight Traditional Owner leadership, knowledge, and aspirations across multiple communications formats.
- Coordinate external contributors such as writers, producers, trainers, and artists, ensuring their work aligns with ReefTO's values, priorities, and ICIP protocols.
- Ensure Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles are embedded across all communications projects, respecting knowledge holders and amplifying voices with integrity.
- Work closely with the Director, Communications & Creative to refine communications plans and ensure storytelling approaches reflect the diversity and strength of Reef Traditional Owner communities.

Who we/'re looking for:

- A creative and culturally grounded communicator with a passion for storytelling and a deep respect for the voices of Reef Traditional Owners.
- Minimum three years' experience in communications, content production, or a related field, with a strong portfolio of storytelling projects across video, audio, or print.
- Demonstrated experience managing communications or creative projects, including coordinating external suppliers (e.g. videographers, editors, trainers) and ensuring outputs are high-quality and aligned with community priorities.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, engaging, and culturally respectful content for diverse audiences.
- Experience producing or coordinating long-form storytelling projects (e.g. documentary, series, training programs, or publications).
- Have an eye for detail, know how to keep projects on time and budget.
- Understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles, and a commitment to embedding them in all communications and creative outputs.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders.
- A collaborative mindset and positive attitude, with a genuine commitment to amplifying Reef Traditional Owner voices and supporting systems-level change across Sea Country.

Why Apply

You'll join a passionate, purpose-driven team working to transform systems and empower Reef Traditional Owners. You'll be driving the delivery of a variety of comms, influencing change, and contributing to a legacy of cultural authority and sea country stewardship. Learn from a visionary group of Reef Traditional Owners, be part of a genuinely supportive and nimble close-knit team, work remotely, and grow professionally.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter telling us what you would bring to ReefTO. There is also an option to link to your website, portfolio or hosted video. Remember, this is an Identified Role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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