Development and Communications Assistant

The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement migration and other forms of assistance to refugees migrants and other people of concern.

As a member of our team you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social economic cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.

About the Role

ARAs settlement and other migrant services equip and empower refugees and recently arrived migrants to address their settlement needs with a focus on improving social participation economic wellbeing independence personal wellbeing and community connectedness.

The Development and Communications Assistant plays a crucial role in telling compelling stories of ARAs impact to aid the growth and development of funding for ARAs services. This includes assisting withfundraising grant writing and social media activities. This part-time role (2 days per week) is ideal for someone looking to build experience in non-profit development and communications.

Key responsibilities include:

Grants & Fundraising Administration

• Assist with identifying and researching grant opportunities aligned with ARAs mission.
• Develop summaries organise meetings and support the preparation and submission of grant applications.
• Maintain accurate records of grants meet deadlines and record and track grants in Salesforce.
• Assist with donor database entry management communication and fundraising campaign planning and implementation.

Social Media & Communications

• Draft and schedule engaging content for ARAs social media platforms (e.g. Facebook Instagram LinkedIn).
• Create visual content using tools like Adobe iMovie or Canva to support campaigns and storytelling.
• Monitor social media engagement and contribute to growing ARAs online presence.
• Maintain promote and grow stakeholder records in ARAs Multicultural Resource Directory.
• Support the development of newsletters website updates and other communications materials.

This role demands strong communication skills proficiency in social media and a creative approach to conveying ARAs messages. The Development and Communications Assistant will be instrumental in developing and growing initiatives that enhance the organisations impact on migrant and refugee communities across Australia.

Why work for ARA

ARAs employees love the sense of belonging from being part of a welcoming and caring team with a strong sense of purpose. ARA doesnt just list its values on posters but lives by them: We Care; We Are Courageous; and We Are Community.

We have a highly diverse workforce of over 70 people working from modern facilities in the northern suburbs of Adelaide across two sites in Salisbury with outreach services in the south and west of Adelaide. The diversity of the team covers many cultures ethnicities religions and languages to create a truly multicultural work place with most staff bringing lived experience of being a refugee or recently arrived migrant. We celebrate our diversity because it lies at the heart of our mission:building inclusive welcoming communities where people from all backgroundsespecially refugees and migrantscan thrive.

In addition to industry standard salaries ARA offers employees generous salary packaging opportunities as a not for profit PBI (salary sacrifice) flexible working arrangements support with ongoing personal and professional development and cultural leave in support of religious and cultural observances.

How to Apply

The ideal candidate for this role is empathetic resourceful and able to work effectively in a multicultural environment. You will possess strong communication skills problem-solving abilities and a commitment to social justice. You may hold a relevant qualification in communications and media or be working towards a relevant qualification. Micro credentials in social media management SEO analytics or similar would be advantageous.

Applications can be lodged by clicking on the Apply button below. Please provide a cover letter addressing the position description along with your resume and the contact details of three referees.
A copy of the Position Description can be downloaded from ARAs career portal on ARAs website: All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

ARA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as we intend to commence interviewing candidates as suitable applications are received.