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Engagement and Event Program Manager

Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST)


Part-time | Remote (Australia-wide)

AIFST is the peak professional body for food scientists, technologists, and professionals working across Australia’s food system. We support members through professional development, education, community building, and advocacy for a strong and future-ready food science sector.

As AIFST’s education programs continue to grow in scope and complexity, a dedicated event program manager is essential to maintain the quality and efficiency of event delivery. 

We are seeking an organised, proactive, and people-focused Engagement & Event Program Manager to coordinate and deliver AIFST’s national program of events and learning activities. This role offers the opportunity to shape high-quality educational experiences and meaningful engagement across the agrifood industry.

About the Role

In this varied role, you will plan and deliver AIFST’s education and capability-building initiatives—including conferences, CPD activities, seminars, webinars, workshops, and networking events. You will also manage AIFST’s Learning Management System (LMS), supporting online training and digital learning programs.

AIFST does not maintain an office – the role will operate remotely working within a small, collaborative team, you will ensure AIFST’s programs run smoothly, reflect professional excellence, and deliver value to members and partners.

The position is a part-time contract role – 4 days per week with flexibility to spread the hours across 5 days.  

Key Responsibilities

  • Reporting to the AIFST CEO, the successful candidate will:
  • Plan, coordinate, and deliver national capability-building events and CPD activities.
  • Manage event logistics, suppliers, registrations, communications, and on-the-day support.
  • Implement and maintain the AIFST LMS, ensuring content accuracy, troubleshooting, and user support.
  • Liaise with speakers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure professional event delivery.
  • Prepare event materials, track attendance and performance data, and support reporting.
  • Assist with marketing and promotion of events.
  • Provide excellent service to members and partners.

About You

  • You will bring strong organisational, communication, and technology skills, with a passion for delivering impactful learning and engagement experiences.
  • To be successful in this role you will have:
  • Experience in event coordination or project management, ideally in education or capability-building.
  • Experience delivering virtual and in-person events.
  • Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Confidence with IT, AV, CRM systems, Zoom, Teams, Canva, and MS Office.
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. 
  • Flexibility to support occasional evening events.
  • Experience in a professional or membership-based organisation (desirable).
  • Interest in food science and technology (advantageous but not essential).

Why Join AIFST?

  • Help shape the future capability of Australia’s food science workforce.
  • Contribute to a national, purpose-driven organisation.
  • Work collaboratively with passionate professionals.
  • Remote role – work from anywhere in Australia.
  • An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications will be negotiated with the successful candidate.  

How to Apply

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, please send your resume with a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the essential skills and experience you possess for the position.

For more information, including a copy of the position description, please contact AIFST CEO Fiona Fleming via email at fiona.fleming@aifst.com.au

Please forward your application to Fiona Fleming (fiona.fleming@aifst.com.au).

Applications close: 5pm AEDT, Monday January 19, 2026


 Director, Riddet Institute - Centre of Research Excellence | Food Science, NZ


This is a rare opportunity for a scholar–leader of international standing to shape the direction of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential research platform in food science and human nutrition.

The Riddet Institute is a nationally designated Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE), internationally recognised for pioneering research that connects fundamental science with industry-relevant and globally impactful outcomes. Hosted by Massey University, the Riddet Institute operates through a high-trust, multi-institutional partnership model that brings together leading researchers across New Zealand’s top universities and research organisations, alongside deep partnerships with government agencies and major international food companies.

As Director, you will provide both scientific and executive leadership for the Institute and its CoRE mandate. You will shape long-term research direction, lead large-scale multi-partner programmes, and steward the successful renewal of the CoRE and the growth of government and industry investment. This role calls for a leader with the academic authority to unify disciplines, the credibility to influence funding and policy environments, and the confidence to represent the Institute on the global stage.

The role is based in Palmerston North, New Zealand—home to the most concentrated food, agriculture, and bioscience ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere. The location enables unusually close integration between laboratories, pilot-scale facilities, industry partners, and policymakers, while offering an exceptional quality of life that supports sustained leadership and legacy building.

This apposition is a high-level professorial appointment for an academic with an internationally recognised research profile, a strong record of funding success, and deep industry networks. You will be comfortable in business development- scientifically, strategically, and reputationally - and motivated by the opportunity to shape not only an institute, but a field.

This is more than a directorship. It is an opportunity to define a scientific agenda, influence global food systems, and leave an enduring imprint through leadership, partnership, and impact. 

TO APPLY: Please click here to apply

Applications Close: 15th February 2026



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