Head of Community Engagement

Head of Community Engagement (Ongoing Full-Time)

This is an identified position. AFTRS considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

AFTRS is the national screen and audio school – the only Australian education institution to consistently make The Hollywood Reporter's prestigious annual list of the top film schools in the world. Working hand-in-hand with the screen and broadcast industries, AFTRS is a global centre of excellence that delivers the highest level of screen and audio education, training and research across Australia.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Head of Community Engagement to join our First Nations, Outreach & Events team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director, First Nations, Outreach & Events, the Head of Community Engagement provides high-level strategic support and leads consistent and meaningful outreach activity across communities in Australia and the Pacific. It plays a key role in divisional planning, delivery and evaluation, and ensures the effective delivery of culturally relevant and responsive community training, partnerships, and outreach projects that empower participants to make meaningful links to future study options, careers and other opportunities for community self-representation in the screen and audio industries. The role also brings internal and external stakeholders together to advance AFTRS' commitment to First Nations leadership, belonging and inclusion.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership and Support

• Provide high-level strategic advice to the Director First Nations Outreach & Events
• Lead divisional planning, reporting, and performance monitoring, including oversight of strategic projects and KPIs.
• Collaborate with the Director, manage divisional budgets and project budgets ensuring they are monitored, reconciled and reported accurately. Establish a process to regularly review budgets and respond proactively to emerging needs.
• Provide input and participate in divisional risk review processes, ensuring alignment with AFTRS risk management framework.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and coaching to the team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and agility.

Project Design, Delivery and Evaluation

• Lead the design and implementation of co-designed initiatives that promote equitable access, participation and success for underrepresented communities. Ensuring these initiatives are developed collaboratively, drawing on the lived experiences of participants, and incorporate culturally responsive practices.
• Oversee the design, delivery and evaluation of culturally responsive, relevant and sustainable outreach programs and community training.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, deliverables, contracts, grants, agreements and reporting to ensure programs are delivered on time and within scope.
• Strengthen data analytics capabilities by refining data collection and monitoring frameworks to enable evidence-based decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities, industry stakeholders, community organisations, and program delivery partners across Australia and the Pacific.
• Represent AFTRS in community, industry and government forums, promoting the School's strategic objectives.
• Develop and sustain mutually supportive collaborative partnerships with diverse media organisations, peak bodies, industry, government and practitioners to develop and nurture screen and audio training and career pathways for underrepresented groups.

Internal collaboration and governance

• Maintain strong internal relationships and work to build and encourage collaboration with other AFTRS' divisions to ensure holistic and connected approaches to improving outcomes.
• Provide guidance to staff on best practice in community engagement and training delivery.
• Collaborate with the student recruitment and marketing teams to promote pathways into AFTRS for members of communities that may be underrepresented in the screen and audio industries.
• Support and contribute to internal initiatives – including events, scholarships, development, accommodation, fundraising – which contribute to removing barriers to study for underrepresented groups.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and funding agreements.
• Leverage analytical capabilities to prepare insightful reports and briefing papers, while contributing meaningfully to internal working groups and strategic projects

Other Duties: There may be a requirement to undertake tasks outside the scope of the responsibilities listed to support the organisation. AFTRS will engage in a conversation should these tasks arise.

About you – You Have:

1. First Nations Engagement: Deep understanding of First Nations cultures and protocols, with demonstrated experience in community engagement.
2. Strategic Leadership: Proven leadership experience in strategic project delivery and stakeholder management within arts, education, or cultural sectors.
3. Industry Experience: Experience working in screen, audio or creative industries.
4. Equity Awareness: A highly developed understanding of systemic barriers in screen and audio industry training and employment.
5. Team Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, cross-functional collaboration.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build respectful, reciprocal partnerships.
7. Project Management: Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery and evaluation.
8. Financial Experience: Strong business acumen, including budget oversight, reporting and governance.
9. Analytics: Demonstrated ability to capture and analyse data to effectively inform insights, reporting and strategic recommendations.
10. Organisational Skills: Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, exercise initiative and judgement, and meet deadlines.
11. Safe Work Environments: Experience in fostering culturally and psychologically safe work environments.

Please apply via our Jobs Portal.

As a creative organisation, we understand the importance of offering flexible working to support your own creativity, wellbeing, and balance. We will genuinely consider applications for job share and part time working. We also support working from home and flexible working hours.

AFTRS is committed to building a richly diverse staff and faculty. AFTRS actively supports and appreciates workplace diversity, First Nations values, and we strongly encourage and welcome applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a wide range of backgrounds and people with a disability. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments through our recruitment and selection process. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email or call

Please note, the successful applicant will be required to:

• Provide a Confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation with a common seal,
• Complete a Fit and Proper Persons Check (including a National Police Check), and
• Undertake a Working with Children Check.

Salary: AFTRS Level 8 ($125, % super, and excellent benefits.

The closing date for the Head of Community Engagement role is Sunday 30 November :59pm. Late applications cannot be accepted.