Public Outreach, Cultural Affairs and Events Officer

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program, and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade, and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional, and bilateral interests.

About the Position

The Public Outreach, Cultural Affairs and Events Officer serves as liaison for the Embassy’s interactions with the general public and works with the Cultural Affairs Officer to deliver cultural projects for the Embassy and other events, as required. The purpose is to identify, develop and implement opportunities to encourage positive public engagement with the Embassy and to enhance perceptions of Australia in the United States. These opportunities include projects with community stakeholders, visiting artists or performers, and other events the Embassy delivers across a range of areas.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Undertake the composition, edit and design of promotional material used for outreach and presentations and in public information.

Assist the Manager of Cultural Programming and Arts to coordinate, administer and deliver cultural projects for the Embassy across a broad range of genres.

Assist the Director of Strategic Events with Embassy of Australia events as needed.

Liaise with key community stakeholders on outreach activities which would include to plan, prepare, and execute events which support the Embassy’s mission and DFAT objectives such as Embassy Open House for 4000-5000 guests and the DC Adoption Program for middle school students.

Manage the schedule of educational group visits to the Embassy and identify Embassy representatives to speak at these events. Research and prepare presentation content accordingly.

Organise other receptions and presentations at the Embassy when required.

Develop and implement strategies (including liaison with other agencies) to respond to mail, e-mail and telephone enquiries/requests from government representatives, interest groups and the general public on issues relating to Australia.

Undertake research and editorial assistance as required.

Assist with branch administrative functions such as budget tracking, coordinating Ambassador’s US travel schedules, and media research and support as needed during Prime Ministerial and other high-level visits.

Provide back-up support to other team members during periods of absence.

Qualifications/Experience

Essential

Experience in public outreach, event management, and public affairs or a related work environment.

Well-developed oral and interpersonal skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with government, interest groups, and community organisations.

Well-developed writing and proof-reading skills.

Demonstrated organisational and time management skills, and an ability to handle multiple tasks, manage priorities and meet agreed schedules. Ability to contribute productively and harmoniously as a member of a team, including proven initiative, cooperation, flexibility and reliability, as well as the ability to be relied upon to work independently.

Effective research and analysis skills.

Knowledge of and interest in Australian policies, government and other relevant issues.

Desirable

Professional and/or academic qualifications in public outreach and/or public affairs.

Experience in bid preparation, costing/budgeting for event management.

Experience either as an educator, or in a role engaging with students in a learning environment.

Benefits

We offer a competitive package of benefits which includes

· medical employer subsidised group insurance - we subsidised between 84 to 90% of coverage,

· dental insurance,

· vision care,

· an employer matched retirement plan,

· 22 days recreation leave,

· 18 days sick leave each year (pro-rated for part time employment), and

· 14 public holidays each year.

Salary range: USD $77,820 to $91,032 per year. New starters should expect to start at the bottom of the pay range.

Please apply for the vacancy via https://dfatcareers.nga.net.au/?jati=DC2D7C25-498C-49E8-009B-E46348015245 [dfatcareers.nga.net.au]. Applications close 12am Monday December 5, 2025.

• Company Name - Embassy of Australia
• Job Industry - Specialty Trades
• Job Industry - Specialty Trades
• Job Status - Full-Time
• City - Washington

location

Washington, DC