Senior Developer

Ongoing, Full-Time

Melbourne, VIC

Are you an experienced Python developer who wants to use your skills to make a meaningful impact? Join the ACTU's Digital Communications team and help design, develop, and deploy digital projects that support the strategic goals of the Australian union movement. You'll work alongside campaigners and technical stakeholders to deliver ethical, accessible, and future-ready digital infrastructure that empowers workers and advances social justice.

The ACTU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich cultural and social diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

About Us

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) represents nearly 1.7 million workers and their families. Since 1927, we have led some of the most significant workplace struggles in Australia's history. The ACTU's role as a peak body is to encourage workers to join their union, be a national voice for our movement, and advance and defend workers' rights through coordinated campaigns, representation, and support to our affiliates.

The Role

As a Senior Developer within the Digital Communications division, you will guide the design, development, and deployment of digital projects that support the ACTU and the broader trade union movement. Reporting to the Digital Development and Data Manager, you will apply your development expertise to build innovative web applications, dashboards, and data infrastructure. You'll also mentor other developers, contribute to our in-house AI project, and collaborate closely with campaigners and technical stakeholders to deliver impactful, future-ready digital solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Write and maintain high-quality, tested, and well-structured Python code.
• Develop skills with AI and related technologies, including hands-on work with large language models and agentic AI frameworks.
• Utilise generative AI to support development, documentation, and problem-solving.
• Mentor and support other developers, sharing expertise in Python, DevOps, cloud platforms, and related technologies.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies, platforms, and methodologies for digital projects.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of the ACTU's Join 4.0 project.
• Build robust, scalable applications and integrations to support campaign efforts and organisational growth.
• Ensure excellence in data handling, security, and infrastructure across digital projects.
• Design and deploy digital tools and systems that empower ACTU and affiliates.
• Create and maintain clear, comprehensive documentation for technical systems and processes.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to capacity-building efforts by coaching and training other developers.
• Work closely with external service providers, contractors, and affiliate unions to deliver high-quality, impactful projects.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Advanced Python programming skills with at least 3 years of experience.
• Experience working with PostgreSQL or similar relational databases.
• Proven experience in building and delivering high-quality software to production.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and practices.
• Desire and ability to learn new skills and technologies, including generative AI tools.
• Ability to incorporate stakeholder feedback and communicate technical ideas clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team while managing individual technical direction and workload.

Desirable:

• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Google Cloud Certification or equivalent.
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and cloud service providers (GCP, Azure, AWS).
• Experience with DevOps and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., BuildKite, GitHub Actions).
• Proficiency with AI platforms (OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, etc.).
• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with PHP, WordPress, Django, React, and progressive web apps.
• Experience developing accessible digital tools for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with unions or progressive organisations.

Other requirements:

This role may occasionally require work outside standard office hours, particularly during key campaign periods or when maintaining, upgrading, or supporting ACTU's technology infrastructure.

Benefits

The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $118,347 to $138,257, depending on skills and experience, along with:

• Additional 15% superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Working from home opportunities
• Generous leave arrangements, including up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• The opportunity to work a rostered day off arrangement

How to Apply

Please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role, along with your CV, to Emma Kingdon, Director Campaigns at

Applications without a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria will not be considered.

Closing Date: Applications close on 21st November 2025.

Australian Council of Trade Unions

Job posted on: November 5, 2025

Applications close: Friday 21st November (COB)

Salary: The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $118,347 to $138,257, depending on skills and experience + +