The Australian Digital Alliance (ADA) in conjunction with Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition (ALACC) is seeking a person to contribute to copyright policy development and advocacy in Australia and overseas.

ADA members include universities, schools, consumers, galleries, museums, technology companies, libraries, archives and charitable organisations. The ALACC is the primary policy body for library and archive copyright in Australia, representing the major library and archive peak bodies.

This is a unique and fast-paced role, offering diverse opportunities for professional development.

Responsibilities include

• Direct engagement with government departments, Members of Parliament and their staff and stakeholders in copyright advocacy
• The development and communication of advocacy positions and policy submissions on a range of copyright issues
• Legal research and analysis
• Development and delivery of workshops on copyright issues for the library and archive sector
• Media and stakeholder communication
• Participation in forums, conferences and discussions on copyright and related issues

It is an exciting time to be involved in copyright law and policy, as governments worldwide consider how best to update copyright laws for the internet age and informed by our COVID-19 experience. This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate to develop further expertise in digital copyright and access to information issues.

This is a full time position physically located at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. Some national and international travel is likely to be required once pandemic restrictions ease. Flexible working conditions are available.

The initial appointment is for two years, commencing in March 2022. We will keep applications on file for 12 months for consideration for other opportunities.

Applicants are required to hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in February 2022.

Enquiries: Derek Whitehead, 0412996025 or [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Officer and Copyright Law and Policy Adviser enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Salary Range

$85 000 - $105 000 negotiable based on skills and experience.

DUTY STATEMENT

Executive Officer Australian Digital Alliance / Copyright and Policy Adviser, Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition

Specific duties:

• Researching issues, writing papers, submissions and web based material involving the relationship between copyright law and access to knowledge, education and technological innovation on behalf of ADA and ALACC members;
• Liaising with Parliamentarians and government departments on issues relating to information regulation and copyright, particularly the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Communications, and the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade;
• Monitoring and providing comment on proposed changes to Commonwealth copyright legislation and any other relevant legislation and regulation;
• Providing regular updates to the membership of the ADA and ALACC;
• Supporting the ADA Board and ALACC Management Committee by providing advice and implementing key decisions;
• Coordinating the ADA’s annual Copyright Forum;
• Delivery of copyright workshops, presentations and online training materials to libraries and archives around Australia;
• Coordinating and supporting Committee and Board meetings, public forums and stakeholder consultations;
• Supervision of support staff and/or contractors on an ongoing or intermittent basis;
• Development and implementation of media and publicity activities relating to copyright issues, including advocacy and presentations at conferences and workshops;
• Liaison with stakeholders at national and international levels;
• General administration and management of the affairs of the ADA and ALACC, including supervision of a part time staff member.

Provision of support to the respective organisations is on a 50/50 proportional basis.

Key skills and attributes

• Enthusiasm for and commitment to copyright law reform and the objectives of the Australian Digital Alliance and the Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition;
• Demonstrated good understanding of copyright law;
• A completed law degree or equivalent experience;
• Proven ability to research, synthesise information and write clearly and concisely;
• Strong and confident oral communication skills, including high proficiency in advocacy and presentation; a good networker;
• A high level of digital literacy;
• The capacity to work autonomously, and to ensure systematic and timely communication;
• Experience in managing a not-for-profit body or similar would be an advantage.