Communications Officer
Position Title: Communications Officer
Location: Darwin, NT
About Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory (AHNT)
Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory (AHNT) Aboriginal Corporation incorporated in 2019 as the Northern Territory's (NT) first 100 per cent Aboriginal-controlled peak body advocating for Aboriginal-controlled housing. We have a membership of 19 strong Aboriginal-controlled organisations that provide housing and related services in town camps, remote communities and homelands. We work closely with our partners in the four NT land councils, the NT Government and Australian Government. We are the Territory’s leading voice on Aboriginal housing and homelands policy, sector strengthening and community control. We are governed by a board of 16 Aboriginal directors, all of whom are elders, traditional owners and community leaders.
Our vision is Aboriginal housing in Aboriginal hands. We advocate for more housing across the Northern Territory and especially, housing that is appropriate for culture and to changing climate.
AHNT is a member of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT Alliance (APONT) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association (NATSIHA). AHNT is also an important member of the Joint Steering Committee for Remote Housing in the Northern Territory (JSC-RHNT), the national Coalition of Peaks and the Northern Territory Executive Council on Aboriginal Affairs (NTECAA). We have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NT Shelter and Menzies School of Health Research enabling us to develop evidence-based policy on key housing issues.
Our values
In all our work we embody these values:
cooperative – we work together
culturally strong – we are community-led and respect Aboriginal knowledge
strengths-based – we focus on what works
trustworthy – we are reliable and committed
innovative – we try new ways
About the role
The Communications Officer will play a critical role in amplifying AHNT’s voice and impact through strategic communication, media engagement, and storytelling. This role supports the organisation’s advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community awareness efforts by creating compelling content and ensuring consistent and culturally respectful messaging.
The Communications Officer will work closely with AHNT’s leadership, community partners, and media outlets to promote the organisation’s work, campaigns, and achievements.
Key duties and responsibilities
As Communications Officer you will:
Develop and implement AHNT’s communications strategy in line with organisational goals.
Produce high-quality content including media releases, newsletters, reports, fact sheets, and social media posts.
Manage AHNT’s social media accounts and website, ensuring timely updates and community engagement.
Coordinate media relations, including responding to media enquiries, drafting responses, and building relationships with journalists.
Support the development of advocacy and campaign materials that elevate Aboriginal voices and housing needs.
Ensure all communications are culturally appropriate and align with AHNT’s values and brand.
Assist with internal communications and support coordination of events, conferences, and community meetings.
Monitor media coverage, track engagement metrics, and provide regular reports to the CEO and Board.
Selection criteria
Essential
Demonstrated experience in communications, media, journalism, or a related field.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a range of formats and platforms.
Experience managing social media and digital content creation.
Understanding of issues impacting Aboriginal housing, communities, and self-determination.
Ability to work collaboratively with Aboriginal people and organisations in a respectful and culturally safe manner.
High-level organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Valid NT Driver's Licence
Working with Children Check (Ochre Card) or the ability to obtain one
National Police Check
Desirable
Experience working in Aboriginal-led organisations or the community housing sector.
Graphic design or multimedia skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, video editing).
Lived experience as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Working at AHNT
AHNT is committed to a supportive and inclusive workplace that values cultural integrity, collaboration, and innovation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.