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.
 

Administration Officer

Employment details

Reports to: Registrar

Employment fraction: 1.0 FTE Full Time

Location: Brisbane office (Level 7, 179 Turbot Street)

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. Federation and NewMed bring a shared commitment to address 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 First Nations peoples and communities.

This new School of Medicine, operating on a full fee-paying basis, offers a contemporary curriculum grounded in the latest pedagogical evidence. Together, we aim to provide a new generation of doctors equipped to serve communities where they are needed most. Listening to and working with diverse communities are important commitments of both the School and the university.

The School of Medicine has secured formal approval to advance to Stage 2 of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation process. Following the scheduled submission in late 2026, the School anticipates welcoming its inaugural cohort during 2027.

About the position

This diverse, hands-on and busy role will work closely with the Executive Team, providing essential administrative and secretariat support to executives and the organisation’s governing boards and committees.

Key responsibilities

The Administration Officer’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 
 
1. Executive, Governance & Secretariat Support:
  • Coordinate and attend Board of Directors, Medical School Academic Board, and executive leadership meetings, demonstrating an understanding of the strategic matters being discussed.
  • Prepare and distribute high quality meeting packs, draft agendas, and record accurate minutes that capture complex discussions.
  • Actively track, manage, and follow up on action registers and deliverables to ensure timely completion.
  • Handle highly sensitive and confidential corporate and board information with discretion and integrity.

2. Executive Communications & Representation:

  • Draft, proofread, and distribute high level internal and external communications, briefing papers, and correspondence on behalf of the executive team.
  • Confidently represent the executive team and the organisation, acting as a professional, trusted liaison between senior leadership, external partners, and internal stakeholders.
  • Triage and monitor central mailboxes, prioritising correspondence, and ensuring appropriate follow up.

3. General Administration & Office Management:

  • Manage day to day office provisioning to ensure a welcoming and functional environment, including purchasing office supplies, kitchen consumables, and organising meeting catering.
  • Provide general administrative support to the broader team for document preparation, formatting, and submission processes.

4. Event & Travel Coordination:

  • Arrange comprehensive travel itineraries, flights, and accommodation for staff and external guests attending workshops, conferences, or board events.
  • Book venues and coordinate all logistics for internal and external meetings, workshops, and company events.
  Core Competencies and Skills
  • Time Management & Organisation: Proven ability to use initiative to manage routine daily tasks (like inbox management) alongside firm deadlines (such as distributing board papers).
  • Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in minute-taking, data entry, travel bookings and document formatting.
  • Communication: Professional, clear and courteous written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal staff and external stakeholders.
  • Adaptability & Teamwork: A flexible, hands-on attitude with the willingness to handle a wide spectrum of duties, from formal board support to keeping the office kitchen stocked.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
  • Emotional Intelligence: High degree of self-awareness, empathy and the ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics.
  • Discretion: Utilise high personal ethical standards to manage confidential business information.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Education: Certificate or Diploma in Business Administration, Office Management or a related field.
  • Experience: Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in an administrative, secretarial, or office management role. Proven experience in formal minute taking and executive level drafting is essential.
  • Industry Knowledge: General familiarity with the health or higher education sectors is a plus, but not required.
 

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: [email protected]

  • GPs to host medical students in placements.
Please email expressions of interest for the above roles to: [email protected]
 
  • Professional staff to assist with applications, selection, enrolment and assessment management.

Please email expressions of interest for the above roles to: [email protected]