This role is for a strategic communications professional who leads with evidence. As Principal Communication Officer, you will design, undertake and analyse procured research but also research delivered in house, translating data and insight into clear, defensible communication and engagement strategies. You will work hands on with qualitative and quantitative research—testing assumptions, identifying patterns, and turning complex findings into practical strategic direction. This role suits someone who enjoys deep analysis, problem solving and using insight to shape better decisions, not just better messaging. You will lead research informed strategy development, apply evaluation frameworks and champion evidence based innovation across communication, engagement and marketing initiatives.

Job details

As a Principal Communication Officer, you will play a critical role in embedding research, data and insight at the centre of communication and engagement strategy. This role is designed for an analytical, insight focused professional who enjoys working directly with research and evidence to solve complex problems and influence strategic decision making.

You will lead the development of communication, engagement and marketing strategies grounded in research and data. A core part of the role is designing and undertaking qualitative and quantitative research yourself — such as stakeholder research, survey design and analysis, insight discovery, testing and evaluation—rather than relying solely on external providers. You will analyse and synthesise data from multiple sources, identify emerging themes, risks and opportunities and translate findings into clear, actionable strategic recommendations.

Your work will support high profile and complex departmental priorities, requiring you to turn ambiguity and complexity into structured insight and direction. You will apply critical thinking and analytical judgement to challenge assumptions, frame problems and develop evidence based strategies that are defensible, targeted and measurable. Evaluation is integral to the role, and you will use data and learning to continuously refine approaches and improve communication effectiveness.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand policy, program and business objectives, providing strategic advice that is grounded in research rather than opinion. You will also collaborate with external suppliers where needed, but will retain ownership of the research questions, insight synthesis and strategic narrative that underpin communication approaches.

Innovation and problem solving are central to this role. You will actively scan for emerging research methods, engagement techniques and communication technologies and assess their relevance and value through an evidence based lens.

You will be comfortable experimenting, learning from data, and applying insight to improve how the department engages with its audiences.

You will influence others by clearly articulating research findings and strategic implications, coaching team members and stakeholders to align their work with insight led strategies. You will contribute to building the branch's research and insights capability by sharing learnings, improving processes and supporting a culture where decisions are informed by data, analysis and evaluation.

This role offers the opportunity to work at a whole of department level, shaping strategy through evidence rather than intuition. It is ideal for someone who enjoys deep thinking, strategic synthesis and using insight to drive meaningful outcomes for Queensland.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/680850/26

Closing Date: Monday, 23 March 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 680850 26 Role Description v2 (Word, 175KB)