Communications and Design Officer in Newcastle

Roses in the Ocean is a national not for profit organisation founded on and operating through the lens of lived experience of suicide; we exist to save lives and reduce emotional pain. We seek to lead the significant cultural shift needed to save lives through harnessing the perspectives of all we represent, along with our own lived experience of suicide.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Design, the Communications and Design Officer supports the day-to-day delivery of our digital communications, social media, website content, design assets, internal campaigns, resource production and stakeholder outreach. This is a remote role that requires a high level of autonomy and initiative.

In this role, you will:

• Update and maintain accessible website content and digital resources using WordPress.
• Create, schedule and monitor social media content and campaigns across established and emerging channels, including Instagram, Threads and Bluesky.
• Engage appropriately with sector partners and community organisations, identify relevant conversations and coordinate internal input.
• Develop presentations, social media tiles, information resources and other digital and print assets using approved templates and brand guidelines.
• Support the production of communications resources, including video interviews, contributor liaison, permissions, file management and publication.
• Provide graphic design support and additional design coverage when required.
• Support internal communications, organisational campaigns, strategic projects and community or stakeholder outreach.
• Create and maintain relevant forms, administration, workflow and task management platforms, including Monday.com.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation while managing competing priorities, deadlines and approval processes.

To succeed in this role, there are some essentials you’ll need:

• A lived experience of suicide and an understanding of its impact on individuals, families, friends, workplaces and communities.
• At least three years’ relevant experience in communications, marketing, digital content, design or a related role.
• Experience creating visually engaging communications and design content for digital and print channels.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly PowerPoint, and working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or Premiere Pro.
• Experience updating and maintaining websites using WordPress.
• Experience supporting social media channels through content creation, monitoring and audience engagement.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to translate information into clear, accessible and engaging content for different audiences.
• A sound understanding of accessible and inclusive communication and engagement practices.
• Excellent attention to detail, including proofreading, formatting and maintaining accurate information.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities and deadlines.
• Confidence building relationships and obtaining information from internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to work collaboratively and independently within a distributed team.
• Confidence using digital systems and learning new platforms and tools.
• Experience in the not-for-profit, community, health, mental health or suicide prevention sectors.

The successful applicant will also need to complete a National Police Criminal History Check, hold or be willing to obtain a current Working with Children Check, and undertake intrastate or interstate travel when required.

At our heart and soul are people with a lived experience of suicide. This means you are:

• Aligned to the values of Roses in the Ocean.
• Passionate for the Not‑for‑Profit sector and making a difference in the lives of people.
• Calm, composed, and solutions focused.
• Self‑aware and responsive to own wellbeing needs.
• Able to demonstrate high levels of professionalism, maturity and attention to detail.
• Proactive in seeking new knowledge, building relationships and consulting with others.
• Able to maintain enthusiasm and focus whilst working autonomously.
• A team player that is committed to the success of the team and the organisation.

Why Roses in the Ocean?

If you are looking for an organisation that is as passionate as you are, is making a positive impact and is a well known and respected sector leader, we would love to receive your application.

You will also enjoy some great benefits:

• Salary packaging benefits of up to $18,550 per year to increase take home pay plus Novated Leasing options available.
• Additional leave - Wellness Day Leave of up to 3 days per year.
• Access to counselling sessions to support well‑being and self‑care.
• Access to a wide range of discounts, saving on everyday expenses via the 'EH Work’ app.
• Portable long service leave if you work in Queensland or Victoria.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A flexible and supportive workplace with excellent work‑life balance initiatives.

Joining a lived experience organisation in suicide prevention is a deeply personal decision. It’s important to take the time you need to reflect on what feels right for you.

Applications close Friday, 13 November 2026 at 5:00pm AEST. For more information about our organisation please visit the Roses in the Ocean website www.rosesintheocean.com.au.

Please advise us if you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Roses in the Ocean is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome applications from a diverse range of social, cultural, ability and gender backgrounds that reflect our community including First Peoples.

Commitment to Safeguarding

At Roses in the Ocean, we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all people, including vulnerable individuals, children and young people. We strive to create an environment where everyone is respected, valued, and protected from harm. All team members are expected to uphold this commitment and promote a culture of safeguarding in their work.