Communications and Engagement Manager

About SAACCON

The South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) is the peak representative body for South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and peak bodies. With over 25 member organisations, we are committed to supporting culturally responsive services and creating greater opportunities for Aboriginal people across the state.

We work in partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and governments to influence policy, legislation, and service delivery that advances Closing the Gap outcomes. At the heart of our work is a belief in strong, culturally safe, and accountable partnerships with government — because real change happens when Aboriginal voices are at the centre.

Lead the development and delivery of impactful communication content that promote SAACCON's objectives and outcomes to Aboriginal Communities, government partners and the wider public. This role strengthens trust, visibility and understanding of Aboriginal-led reform under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, ensuring Aboriginal voices are central to how progress is shared and understood.

This position plays a vital role in ensuring Aboriginal people are informed, visible and empowered participants in systemic reform - reinforcing accountability, truth telling and shared success.

Strategic Communications

• Design and implement communication strategies that clearly convey SAACCON's goals achievements and outcomes
• Translate complex policy information into culturally appropriate, accessible messaging
• Coordinate digital, social media and visual story telling content and campaigns that celebrate Aboriginal-led successes and reinforce collective accountability
• Lead proactive and responsive media and digital engagement to strengthen public awareness of Aboriginal-led reform
• Work in partnership with stakeholders to deliver and promote achievements in a culturally appropriate manner

Community Messaging and Visibility

Lead the design and delivery of community-focused communications that -

• Explain SAACCON's objectives in plain language
• Report on key outcomes achieved under Closing the Gap targets
• Promote awareness of how community input has shaped SAACCON's work
• Build understanding of government responsibilities and Aboriginal leadership roles in implementation
• Create culturally grounded resources that keep communities informed and empowered.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Facilitate two-way communication channels to ensure Aboriginal voices shape reform priorities and policy decisions
• Support co-design partnership activities that align messaging with community expectations and shared decision-making principles

Leadership and Capability Building

• Build internal capability to deliver culturally appropriate communication that honours Aboriginal data and narrative sovereignty.
• Oversee reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement of communications and engagement strategies
• Experience leading communication teams and contributing to Organisation-wide strategies that deliver measurable impact

Strategic Influence

• Proven ability to design communication that shifts public narratives, strengthens accountability and builds confidence in Aboriginal - led reform.

Cultural Competency

• Strong understanding of Aboriginal cultures, histories and protocols. Demonstrated commitment to the principles of self-determination, truth telling and Aboriginal Data sovereignty.

Your Application

Please upload your application (of no more than two pages addressing the Key Responsibilities) along with your resume. Applications close Friday 7 November.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please address all questions to Richard Hughes, Executive Director of Business Services

email

SAACCON considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under sub-s 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.