Take the lead in shaping UQ’s visibility across search engines and AI platforms, driving strategy, innovation, and digital excellence.
Base salary will be in the range $117,958.12 – 132,247.57 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
Full-time, permanent position based at our Prestigious St Lucia Campus
Be the driving force behind this pivotal role as Search and AI Optimisation Strategist, shaping how UQ is discovered in an AI-driven digital world. The role leads the University’s SEO and generative engine optimisation (GEO) strategy, ensuring content is visible, accurate, and trusted across search engines and AI platforms. Using data and AI insights, it drives digital performance, enhances online experiences and embeds optimisation best practices across the University. The exciting new role also involves leading and mentoring an SEO Specialist and providing expert strategic guidance
Key Responsibilities
Lead and implement UQ’s SEO and GEO strategy, optimising content, campaigns, and digital initiatives.
Provide expert guidance and strategic direction on search and AI optimisation, balancing performance and reputational risk.
Build strong cross-functional partnerships across faculties and teams, establishing key contacts and providing senior-level support.
Monitor AI search, large language models, and emerging trends to uncover opportunities, manage risks, and drive strategic initiatives.
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
Salary packaging options
Degree-qualified (marketing, communications, information systems, or related) or equivalent experience, with proven success leading digital performance strategies in dynamic organisations.
Strong expertise in SEO, generative engine optimisation (GEO), and web analytics tools (GA4, GSC, SEMrush, Ahrefs) to drive measurable results.
Solid understanding of AI concepts and emerging technologies (large language models, generative search) and the ability to explain them to non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to influence stakeholders and embed optimisation best practices across teams.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills, thriving in cross-functional environments and delivering digital solutions with impact.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Romain Lovisco on r.lovisco@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Friday 6 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-60403).