Overview of WFE

Women for Election (WFE) is a non-partisan, for purpose organisation that's committed to helping inspire and equip women and non-binary folk, from all backgrounds and lived experience, to run for public office in Australia at the local, state and federal level.

WFE strives to achieve gender parity in Australia’s legislative chambers so that governments are representative of the communities they govern. WFE’s programs help women see how they can get involved in the political process, be it to run or to help another woman's campaign whilst also increasing active citizenry.

Women experience more barriers than men when running for public office and WFE’s training programs specifically address those barriers.

About the organisation

Our Vision

A balanced and fair society achieved through gender parity in Australian politics across all tiers of government.

Our Mission

To inspire, equip and sustain women to successfully stand for, and thrive in, public office in Australia.

Our Values

• Non-partisan
• Collaborative
• Respectful
• Inclusive

About the role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation that’s improving the health of Australia’s democracy and political landscape, working closely with WFE CEO, Licia Heath, across key dimensions of her responsibilities.

The successful candidate will evolve and deliver an integrated communications and engagement strategy to build and leverage WFE’s and Licia’s profile and networks. You will work closely with the CEO and Leadership team, helping to nurture and expand relationships with friends, supporters, allies and stakeholders of WFE.

We are proud of having a great organisational culture, and you will be right at the heart of things along with other members of the Leadership team.

This is a part-time role: 20 hours per week (2.5 days) with flexible work arrangements.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for someone who understands the power of communications - particularly the way in which an organisation’s profile, channels and storytelling can be enhanced. This is not about profile for its own sake - but making best use of the organisation’s mission and the CEO’s persona, position and voice to drive WFE’s mission. The right person will be able to manage the functions of the role, respond to breaking opportunities, engage with the media, and drive longer term strategic development.

We need someone entrepreneurial and strategic, who excels at communications and media strategy across all platforms, and who understands the power of deep relationships and expanding networks. You can seamlessly adapt across mass media, socials, small scale email segment communications and intimate 1:1 relationships.

Emotional intelligence, strategic communications acumen, personal integrity, loyalty, the ability to maintain strict confidentiality, media nous, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit are all important attributes.

In terms of some basics, you will need:

• Commitment to WFE’s non-partisan vision, values and mission
• Relevant professional experience
• Competence in profile building and communications & media strategy
• Excellent networking and relationship instincts and skills
• Excellent time management skills

What we can offer you

• An exciting and innovative role that gives you the opportunity to work closely with the CEO and to take centre-stage in improving gender equity in Australia’s political chambers, work on historic projects, attend events and build important and influential relationships.
• As this position requires working some unusual hours, this is balanced with an understanding workplace culture that wants you to thrive and learn in the role whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• A time sensitive, high impact workplace culture, built on trust and integrity
• A culture that celebrates inclusivity, with a genuine commitment to justice and belonging for people of all backgrounds.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strategic and operational understanding of the functioning of media, social media and communications, including event communications
• Understanding of how to establish and nurture key relationships and networks to drive organisational strategy
• Understanding of personal voice / branding and how this is deepened and grown to support the organisational mission
• High level strategic communications thinking

• High level relationship management and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of the practical systems and steps necessary to prepare a CEO for public performance and media appearances
• Ability to act as a ‘sense-check’ sounding board for the CEO
• Proof-reading, sub-editing and advice on high level content
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication

• Self-motivated, good humoured and highly adaptive

• Ability to maintain high level of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion
• A basic knowledge of Australian politics

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of WFEs communications, media and brand strategy
• Initiate digital and communications strategies to increase WFEs following, event attendance and impact
• Develop procedures to ensure operational excellence for WFE, from regular donor, alumni and supporter communications to event management and more
• Take the lead on national campaigns to inspire Australian women to engage with WFE
• Ensure the CEO is visible in the right places, at the right time, saying the right things, to drive organisational impact
• Ensure the public profiles of the organisation and CEO are contributing to driving major philanthropic investment in WFE
• Support the CEO to identify new funding sources and devise marketing strategies and pitch decks to appeal to them, including individual donors, foundations and corporate partnerships
• The organisations’ social media content and other public performance and communications are consistent, aligned with strategy, and in a virtuous cycle of reinforcing and amplification.

• Develop diverse & intersectional community engagement
• Intern management and volunteer recruitment/appraisal specific to comms

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups (Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Pacific Islander peoples, People of Colour, women, non-binary and gender diverse people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with a disability) often don't apply for roles if they don't meet all the criteria – unlike majority candidates meeting significantly fewer requirements. We'd love to know how you can amplify our team with your unique experience!

To be considered for this position, applicants must have current working rights for Australia.

We respectfully request that Recruitment Agencies do not submit applications for this position.