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Susie Smith

Available to hire

I’m a researcher and educator with a background spanning public policy, social research, and documentary storytelling.

About

I’m a researcher and educator with a background spanning public policy, social research, and documentary storytelling. My work sits at the intersection of analysis, synthesis, and communication, translating complex material into clear, structured narratives.

Professionally, I bring nearly three decades of experience working across government, community, and cultural sectors, where research, evidence checking, and clarity of communication were essential. I’m currently completing a PhD focused on social sustainability and community-led cultural practice, which involves qualitative research, literature review, archival work, and synthesis across disciplines including history, psychology, health, sociology, and education.

Earlier in my career, I worked in film and television production as a segment producer and production coordinator, so I understand how research supports storytelling. I’m very comfortable working “behind the scenes”, building solid research foundations. I understand what a scriptwriter needs, and can deliver well-structured outlines, clear logic, key facts, context, and reliable sources.

  • 19 years' experience
  • Joined January 2026

Languages

  • PortugueseAdvanced

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services

Work experience· 5 roles

Chronic Pain Community Engagement Co-designer · Central Coast Local Health DistrictJan 2023 – Jan 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

Co-designed chronic pain community engagement and upstream health initiatives.

Sustainability Officer · Hornsby CouncilJan 2020 – Jan 2023 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Led the community to update solar adoption and related sustainability initiatives.

Program Support / Community Capacity-Building Specialist · Indigenous Land and Sea CorporationJan 2019 – Present · 7 yrs 11 mos

Supported community capacity-building and equity programs.

Sustainability & Behaviour Change Specialist · Transport NSWJan 2017 – Jan 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo
Sustainability Education Programs Lead · Office of Environment & Heritage (NSW)Jan 2005 – Jan 2016 · 11 yrs 1 mo

Education

PhD Candidate, Education for Sustainability · University of Newcastle2030 – 2026
Master of Applied Science (Social Ecology) · Western Sydney University2030 – 2026

Certifications and awards

Highly Commended – 3 Minute Thesis2023 – 2026
NSW Premier’s Public Sector Award – Highly Commended (2003)2003 – 2026
NSW Premier’s Public Sector Award – Highly Commended (2011)2011 – 2026
Transport NSW Solutions Award – Finalist2018 – 2026

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