Join our team: Communication and Administration Cadet

Hunter Joint Organisation

Location: Thornton, NSW

Type: Cadetship – flexible working arrangements available

Salary: $60,000 – $70,000 Full time equivalent (plus 12% superannuation)

About the role

Join a collaborative and dynamic organisation dedicated to serving the local communities of the Hunter region. This role offers:

• A practical cadetship opportunity for a student undertaking or recently completed relevant tertiary study to gain experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, administration and local government operations.
• Exposure to communications, graphic design, social media, events, advocacy, project support, research and general administration across regional initiatives.
• The opportunity to work with a collaborative team supporting the Hunter JO’s strategic regional priorities and outcomes for the Hunter region.

Hunter JO values flexibility and welcomes applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, secondment or other flexible arrangements. We are focused on finding the right person and are open to discussing how the role can work best for both the successful candidate and the organisation.

Do you want to make a difference for the Hunter region?

The Hunter Joint Organisation (Hunter JO) is the statutory organisation of the ten Councils of the Hunter region that facilitates the collaborative delivery of strategic advocacy and program outcomes for the region. For more information visit our website – https://www.hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/

The Communication and Administration Cadet will support the Hunter JO team across communications, administration, events and advocacy activities. The role will:

• Assist with website content, newsletters, social media, digital communications, basic video content, media releases and communication materials.
• Support proofreading, graphic design and document formatting using platforms such as Adobe, Microsoft Word, Canva, WordPress and Campaign Monitor.
• Assist with advocacy and project support, including research, briefing notes, correspondence, project monitoring activities.
• Provide general administrative and executive support, including diary coordination, inbox monitoring, meeting agendas, minutes, filing systems, templates and databases.
• Assist with planning and coordinating meetings, workshops and events, including venue bookings, catering, equipment, registrations, event materials and action items.

For more information on the position and to view the selection criteria, please click here.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is currently undertaking or recently completed tertiary studies in communications, marketing, media, business administration, event management, public relations, government or another relevant discipline.
• Has good written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Is organised, can manage multiple tasks and priorities, and maintains strong attention to detail.
• Enjoys working collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment and shows initiative when working independently.
• Is willing to learn new systems and technologies and contribute across communications, administration, events and advocacy activities.

Along with your current tertiary studies, to succeed in this role you should have:

• Competence with programs, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and Adobe.
• Knowledge of platforms such as Campaign Monitor, Canva, WordPress or similar systems.
• Experience or interest in social media platforms, website platforms, digital communications tools or graphic design software.
• Experience/interest in assisting with events, administration and communications activities.
• A Class C NSW Driver Licence is preferred.

How to Apply

Please email your application to Bonnie Gradwell at admin@hunterjo.nsw.gov.au. Please note that to be considered applications must include the following:

1. A short cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the key requirements outlined in the ‘About You’ section.
2. Up to date Resume / Curriculum Vitae.

Applications close on Monday 6 July 2026

We encourage applications as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed progressively and we may commence interviews prior to the closing date.

We may establish a talent pool from this recruitment process for future vacancies or similar opportunities. If you would like to be considered for future opportunities with Hunter JO, please indicate this in your application.

If you have specific questions related to the role, please contact Kim Carland, kimc@hunterjo.nsw.gov.au or 0460 034614.

We are an equal opportunity employer – we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Our aim is to provide all staff with an inclusive, safe, and healthy working environment, and we encourage applications from all members of the community.

We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and recognise their continuing connection and contribution. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future.