Category: Careers

Communications Officer

Employment details

Reports to: Registrar

Employment fraction: Between 0.8-1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

Location: NewMed office (Level 7, 179 Turbot Street, Brisbane). Preference for Brisbane, other locations possible. Role may require ad hoc travel.

Department: Professional

About New Medical Education Pty Ltd

Federation University Australia, in partnership with NewMed, is establishing the Federation University School of Medicine to address Australia’s urgent need for more doctors, particularly in primary care. This shortage is felt most acutely in rural, regional and outer-urban communities. New Medical Education Australia Pty Ltd. is the employer for this role.

Federation and NewMed bring a shared commitment to addressing this critical gap through co-operative workplace learning, health professional education and research, with a strong emphasis on primary healthcare and a strong commitment to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

The School of Medicine offers a contemporary medical curriculum grounded in the latest educational evidence and designed to prepare graduates to serve communities where they are needed most.

The School of Medicine is underway with Stage 2 of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation process and anticipates welcoming its inaugural student cohort during 2027.

About the position

The Communications Officer will play a critical role in supporting NewMed’s organisational readiness, community and stakeholder engagement and School of Medicine launch activity. This role will support communications across a broad and complex stakeholder environment, including internal teams, Federation University colleagues, General Practices, First Nations Health Organisations, local government, study hubs, community organisations and prospective students.

The role will also support communications required for AMC accreditation activity, including internal updates, stakeholder briefings, public facing messages, website content, FAQs and other communication materials linked to accreditation progress. A key responsibility will include the development of student lifecycle communications. These communications will form part of the broader operational model for the School of Medicine.

The role requires a strong writer, thoughtful communicator and confident advisor who can translate complex academic, clinical, regulatory and operational information into clear, accurate and audience appropriate communications.

Key responsibilities

Supported by the GP Discipline lead, and in collaboration with other State leads the General Practice Placement Lead

responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Community engagement communications:

Draft and coordinate communication materials across the community engagement stakeholder mix including General Practices, First Nations health organisations, local government, and other relevant community stakeholders.
Prepare briefing notes, stakeholder packs, talking points, presentation content, follow up communications and supporting collateral for community engagement activity.
Support stakeholder mapping, contact list development, communication sequencing, meeting preparation and follow up action tracking.
Ensure community facing communications are respectful, clear, and accurate.

AMC accreditation communications:

Draft internal staff updates, evidence request communications, meeting briefings, project updates, stakeholder notices, FAQs and other accreditation related communications.
Prepare public facing communications relating to accreditation status, program readiness and School of Medicine updates, subject to Registrar review and CEO approval.
Support consistent messaging across NewMed and Federation University channels where communications intersect.

Student lifecycle communications:

Develop and maintain student facing communications for the full student lifecycle across relevant platforms.
Translate operational procedures, policy settings and student support models into clear student facing workflows and communications.
Ensure communications are accessible, supportive, accurate and aligned with the intended student experience.

Website, social media and digital communications:

Support development of copy, FAQs, downloadable resources, stakeholder information and other website materials.
Collaborate with Federation University’s digital team on School of Medicine website content, structure and updates.
Draft and create organic and paid social media content; including content planning, caption drafting, content calendars and message alignment for NewMed and School of Medicine activity, subject to approval by the Registrar and/or CEO.

Internal communications:

Draft staff updates, newsletters, FAQs and internal announcements.
Support consistent communication between project teams, academic staff, professional staff and senior leadership.
Help ensure staff have access to approved language, key messages, talking points, resources and escalation pathways.

Communications planning:

Develop and support communication plans for key projects, including School of Medicine launch activity, AMC accreditation activity, community engagement and student lifecycle communications.
Translate complex academic, regulatory, clinical and operational information into clear, accurate and audience appropriate communications.
Identify communication risks, gaps and opportunities, and provide practical recommendations to address them.
Maintain communication schedules, approval trackers, stakeholder message registers and version control for key communications.

Compliance and Ethical Standards:

Ensure all communications are accurate, ethical, transparent and aligned with relevant educational, and organisational requirements.
Maintain communication registers, approval logs, version control and content libraries.
Exercise sound judgement in identifying when communications require escalation, legal/compliance input, review for cultural safety or senior approval.

Select Criteria

Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, higher education, stakeholder engagement or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Demonstrated experience in communications within higher education, government, healthcare, community engagement, complex project or regulated environments.
Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and audience appropriate content for internal, external, student and stakeholder audiences.
Understanding of culturally safe communication practices and experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, organisations or communities under appropriate cultural governance.
Experience developing communication plans, content calendars, stakeholder communications or lifecycle communication materials.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across internal teams, external partners and senior stakeholders.
Strong attention to detail, version control and document management skills.
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and appropriately with diverse stakeholders and communities.
Competence using Google Workspace, CRM/email systems (preferably HubSpot), digital tools and project coordination platforms.

First Nations Community Engagement Coordinator (Identified)

Employment details

Reports to: Registrar. Works closely with the First Nations Health Lead

Employment fraction: Between 0.6-1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

Location: Ideally in the NewMed Brisbane office (Level 7, 179 Turbot Street). Open to other locations within the 5 mainland States listed. The role requires ad hoc travel to community cluster regions across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

Department: Professional

About New Medical Education Pty Ltd

Federation University Australia, in partnership with NewMed, is establishing a new medical school to address Australia’s urgent need for more doctors, particularly in primary care. This shortage is felt most acutely in rural, regional and outer-urban communities. NewMedical Education Australia Pty Ltd. is the employer for this role.

The School of Medicine offers a contemporary medical curriculum grounded in the latest educational evidence and designed to prepare graduates to serve communities where they are needed most.

Listening to and working alongside communities is central to the School’s approach. The School of Medicine recognises that meaningful partnerships are built through trust, reciprocity, cultural safety and shared decision-making. The School is committed to working respectfully with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support improved health, education and workforce outcomes.

The School of Medicine is underway with Stage 2 of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation process and anticipates welcoming its inaugural student cohort during 2027.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new School of Medicine and to support the development of respectful, reciprocal and enduring relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across Australia.

The successful applicant will contribute to a culturally safe, community-informed medical education program that values partnership, listening, social accountability and shared learning outcomes for communities, students and future generations.

About the position

The Community Engagement Coordinator supports NewMed’s commitment to building respectful, culturally safe and sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations across Australia.

This position plays a key role in supporting community engagement activities, community-led partnerships and culturally responsive initiatives across the School of Medicine’s community cluster regions.

The role contributes to the collaboration, coordination and delivery of local engagement activities and supports meaningful participation by communities, students, supervisors and stakeholders within the School of Medicine’s distributed medical education model.

The position works closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), Traditional Owners, Elders, community leaders, health services, and local organisations to strengthen relationships, promote cultural safety and support equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the School of Medicine.

Primary Functions

Support and contribute to NewMed’s First Nations engagement relationship-building activities across community cluster regions where medical students will be placed.
Strengthen and nurture respectful and culturally responsive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
Support community-led and collaborative engagement initiatives that reflect local community priorities and aspirations.
Listen to and understand local cluster-based community needs and advocate within the Medical School.
Once the MD Program is underway, be able to support local community activities, which promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengthen community connections and foster Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Support the engagement of students, supervisors and staff in community-led activities and cultural learning opportunities.
Provide support for the coordination of cultural safety initiatives across the School of Medicine communities of practice.
Contribute to the creation of culturally appropriate resources, communication materials and engagement activities.
Support continuous learning through community feedback, relationship building and participation in listening and learning opportunities.
Work collaboratively with GP Supervisors and GP State Leads, to support community engagement priorities, strengthen respectful and reciprocal relationships and contribute to shared initiatives across the School of Medicine community cluster regions.
Work with School of Medicine First Nations lead and faculty, committees and the University to advance the medical program based on community engagement.
Represent the School of Medicine professionally and respectfully within communities and across relationship networks.

Selection Criteria

This is an identified position. The filling of this role is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth). In addition to the federal legislation, NewMed considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this role under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD) and the corresponding state legislation where the successful applicant may be based (e.g. s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) or s 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC)).

Essential:

Demonstrated understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, communities and perspectives.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain culturally safe, respectful and reciprocal
working relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.
Experience supporting or coordinating community engagement partnerships and mutually beneficial activities.
Demonstrated leadership and advocacy skills on behalf of the community.
Demonstrated ability to partner with initiatives and activities with communities.
Demonstrated ability in coordinating and delivering culturally appropriate activities, resources, events or engagement initiatives.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, with a willingness to support and contribute to the growth and learning of others (e.g. staff and students).
Thoughtful communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust, bring people together, provide guidance and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated understanding of cultural safety principles and their application within education, health or community settings.
Experience planning, coordinating and delivering community events and activities.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to support multiple priorities and relationships across geographically dispersed locations.
Excellent documentation skills for communication of community engagement for use internally, externally and with key stakeholders.
Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a small, collaborative team environment.
Willingness and ability to engage with ad hoc travel throughout Australia as required to engage with the community (maximum time away per trip of 1-2 weeks).

Desirable:

Experience working within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, health services, education providers or community organisations.
Understanding of rural, regional and remote communities and the challenges affecting health workforce needs.
Knowledge of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion frameworks and initiatives.
Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience in community engagement, relationships, cultural safety, or community services or a related discipline.
Familiarity with working in a tertiary education setting and/or Medical Education with an understanding of the Australian Medical Council
Supported connecting tertiary students with the local First Nations community.

General Practice Placements Lead – NSW

Employment details

Reports to: MD Program Director

Employment fraction: Between 0.2 & 0.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) or Casual

Location: Hybrid – Virtual and NewMed Brisbane office (Level 7, 179 Turbot Street) + Up to 4 in person meetings per year

Department: Academic

About New Medical Education Pty Ltd

New Medical Education Australia Pty. Ltd. (NewMed) is an exciting venture, working towards becoming a new Australian medical school. Now partnered with Federation University Australia to become its School of Medicine, NewMed will offer an innovative, geographically distributed, hybrid delivery, graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine (MD). Commencement in early 2027 is subject to successful accreditation with the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

About the position

Given the significant geographic and operational footprint in NSW, NewMed requires an additional GP Placements Lead. This role will work in tandem with our existing part-time lead to ensure comprehensive support and capacity across the state.

Position summary:

To oversee the recruitment, support, and development of General Practitioners (GPs) involved in NewMed student
placements. This role ensures that GPs are appropriately selected, adequately trained, and well supported to provide
high-quality teaching and mentorship for students during their clinical placements.

Key collaborations:

General Practice Discipline Lead
Year Coordinators
Other GP Placement Leads
Placement administrative staff

Key responsibilities

Supported by the GP Discipline lead, and in collaboration with other State leads the General Practice Placement Lead

responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Assist with recruitment of GPs for Placements within your State:

Establish minimum (non-negotiable) and desirable (optional) criteria for supervising GPs and their practices.
Participate in interviews and practice assessments to identify and engage suitable GPs to supervise students during placements, including in-person practice visits at least once before signing contracts.

Training and Development:

Ensure supervisors are familiar with the NewMed curriculum and objectives of the student placement program and assessment requirements.
Assist with delivery of training programs for GP supervisors on teaching, mentoring, and feedback techniques.
Promote and contribute to ongoing professional development opportunities for GPs in their educational roles.
Identify areas of high quality education practice and share with other practice

Support for GP Supervisors:

Act as the first point of contact for GP supervisors in your State, providing guidance and addressing concerns. Escalate to NewMed GP discipline lead as required. Applying a Community of Practice model, foster a supportive network among GP supervisors through forums, workshops, or peer support groups.
Develop an acknowledgement system for GP supervisors and their practices including (but not limited to): acknowledgement of their Supervision contribution online and with certificates; assisting with streamlining CPD requirements.

Quality Assurance:

Monitor the performance of GP supervisors through feedback from students and periodic evaluations, as established by NewMed.
Be able to visit GP practices where needed: for example, GP concern about the student or the reverse
Participate in evaluations of the NewMed program from GP supervisors
Where appropriate, implement quality improvement initiatives based on feedback and performance reviews.

Collaboration and Communication:

Work with other medical schools, GP colleges, relevant training bodies, primary health networks, and practice managers, to coordinate placements in a spirit of collaboration.
Ensure clear communication of placement objectives and expectations to all stakeholders.
When required, represent NewMed at meetings and events related to medical education.
Attendance of up to 3 workshops in Brisbane (dates can be discussed during interview)

Key Skills and Attributes

Qualifications or extensive experience in medical education/health industry
Strong understanding of medical education and the GP role in training medical students.
Comprehensive knowledge of the NewMed MD Program, Mission; Values
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Respected role model for GP colleagues.
Organisational and time management skills to oversee multiple stakeholders and processes.
Ability to provide constructive feedback and mentorship to colleagues, including difficult conversations when required.
Commitment to promoting high standards in education and patient care.
Desirable: Familiarity with the AMC Standards for Primary Medical Programs

Qualifications and Experience

AHPRA registered GP, or recency of practice within the past 5 years, with significant experience in clinical practice within Australia.
Prior involvement in medical education and clinical supervision (e.g., as a trainer, supervisor, or educator).
Leadership or management experience is desirable.
Ability to liaise with diversity of clinical practices, including different practice models
Ability to travel to urban, regional and rural areas within the state, as required for practice visits, training, support and networking.

Performance Indicators

Number of GP contacted, suitable GPs successfully recruited and retained to provide student placements.
Number of placement visits achieved prior to contracts being signed
Positive feedback from students and supervisors on placement experiences.
Evidence of effective management of concerns/complaints, including how the resolution of concerns improved student and/or supervisor trust in the MD program.
Compliance with AMC requirements and medical educational principles.

Expressions of Interest – various positions

Want to help establish an outstanding new medical school?

The raison d’etre of NewMed is to establish and deliver an innovative, geographically dispersed 4-year graduate entry medical program. The rationale is to provide more doctors for Australia, with emphasis on primary care and rural practice. Given that many of the graduate students will be able to study from home, access will be improved for students living in outer urban, regional, rural and remote communities.

NewMed is not currently a medical school. With Federation University Australia, we are working towards accreditation to become its brand new medical school. We are not replicating any current Australian medical school, nor have we purchased another medical school’s curriculum.

We offer the opportunity to be part of a team that is creating an innovative medical school from the ground up. Our program philosophy includes academic led small group case-based learning framed by the body systems, interwoven longitudinal streams, an integrated First Nations curriculum, a research project and progressive assessment with regular feedback. Program delivery combines online, intensive face-to-face workshops, exemplary student support and supervised clinical placements. Immersion in primary care commences early in year one, expands to a day a week in year two, and three days per week in year three. The final year combines hospital-based speciality rotations, case discussions and preparation for internship. It will be a brilliant program, commencing in early 2027 subject to AMC accreditation.

We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced Physicians, General Practitioners, Medical Educators and Professional staff for immediate casual/part-time roles and/or future roles with NewMed.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People with experience in medical or tertiary education to teach into the program.
Radiologist to assist with review of imaging resources and to develop teaching sessions across Years 1-2 of the program.

Please email expressions of interest for the above roles to: stephen.tobin@newmedschool.com.au

GPs to host medical students in placements.

Please email expressions of interest for the above roles to: gpplacements@newmedschool.com.au

Professional staff to assist with applications, selection, enrolment and assessment management.

Please email expressions of interest for the above roles to: hr@newmedschool.com.au