Senior AI Developer

Fixed-Term (2 Years) – Full-Time

Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)

Melbourne, VIC

Are you an experienced AI developer who wants to use your skills to drive social justice and support the union movement? Join the ACTU's Digital Development team and lead the design and deployment of AI-powered tools and infrastructure that strengthen campaigns, empower workers, and advance progressive change.

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 AI Developer, you will play a key role in guiding the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven projects that support the strategic goals of the ACTU and the broader trade union movement. You'll apply your expertise in AI platforms, large language models, agentic frameworks, and cloud services to build ethical, scalable, and impactful digital tools.

Reporting to the Digital Development and Data Manager, you will:

• Lead the development of AI-powered solutions aligned with ACTU's strategic goals.
• Mentor developers and contribute to capacity-building across the team.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies for AI-related projects.
• Collaborate on application and integration development across ACTU's digital ecosystem.
• Ensure excellence in data handling, security, and infrastructure.
• Design and deploy AI-based campaign tools for ACTU and affiliates.
• Maintain clear documentation and support transparency.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality projects.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Advanced proficiency with platforms like OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, etc.
• Strong understanding of large language models and agentic AI frameworks.
• Experience with vector databases and embedding models.
• High-level proficiency with Google Cloud Platform (or equivalent).
• Advanced Python programming skills.
• Experience delivering production-ready software.
• Familiarity with multiple programming languages and databases.
• Strong user focus and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to emerging technologies.

Desirable:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Google Cloud Certification or equivalent.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with technologies such as PostgreSQL, PHP, WordPress, Django, React.
• Experience developing accessible tools for diverse audiences.

• Experience working with unions or progressive organisations.

• Experience engaging respectfully and effectively with culturally diverse and marginalised communities, including First Nations peoples. Ability to engage inclusively, adopt culturally safe practices, and learn from lived experiences in ways that strengthen our movement and reflect ACTU's commitment to equity and justice.

Benefits

The ACTU offers a competitive salary range of $118,347 - $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 29th August 2025.