The Big Issue Australia and Homes for Homes

The Big Issue Australia is an independent not for profit organisation that develops and operates a number of social enterprises providing opportunities for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage to positively change their lives.

We are an agent for social change, using entrepreneurial practices and sound business strategy to promote social inclusion and alleviate poverty in Australia. Our innovative programs and services focus on helping people who are socially disadvantaged, and may otherwise slip through the cracks, to build confidence and the capacity to help themselves.

This is achieved by using various mechanisms to connect people with the community, such as the Street Magazine Enterprise, the Community Street Soccer Program (Street Soccer), the Women’s Workforce Enterprise and The Big Issue Classroom.

Homes for Homes is an initiative created by The Big Issue that aims to help end homelessness in Australia. It raises new, private funding to tackle the shortage of social and affordable housing. Property owners donate 0.1% of the sale price of their property to Homes for Homes, these funds are then pooled and granted to community housing providers to increase the supply of affordable and social housing.

Purpose of role

This role will be responsible for two key functions supporting The Big Issue and Homes for Home’s efforts to engage and grow our stakeholders and donor database through various events and fundraising initiatives. It will operate under a shared services model, working across both The Big Issue and Homes for Homes businesses.

We’re seeking a highly organised person to coordinate our corporate events and community fundraising initiatives across both brands. This multi-faceted position is based at The Big Issue in Melbourne and requires liaison out in the community with some travel required for interstate events.

Key responsibilities

This role would suit a self-starter with a can-do attitude who takes responsibility for:

• Manage an annual calendar of events that help lift the profile of both brands such as International Women’s Day, Homelessness Week, organisational anniversaries and Homes for Homes grant funding events.
• Oversee the planning and execution of national all in-person and virtual events for both brands.
• Project manage all logistics to successfully execute events across the calendar year with external and internal stakeholders.
• Evaluate and negotiate with suppliers, manage communications with attendees, speakers, and client stakeholders.
• Comply with all national and local regulations for every event including applications, permits and other requirements for external events.
• Develop content for event materials and work with graphic designers and team members to produce.
• Hire personnel as needed across all functions of an event (ex: registration, setup, catering, audio/visual).
• Handle day-to-day administration of events and programs, including order placements, supplier monitoring, travel planning, reservations, attendee participation, registration counts, RSVP tracking, and issues resolution.
• Always keep budgets and timelines under control.
• Develop strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the marketing communications team, manage The Big Issue’s annual corporate fundraising event – The Big Sell.
• Oversee Community Fundraising initiatives including:
• Coordinating, developing and implementing all aspects to successfully manage a donor regular giving program with a focus to acquire new regular donors and increase income from existing supporters.
• Collaborate and work alongside external Face to Face Fundraising organisation to manage acquisition of new donors.
• Grow fundraising income opportunities for both brands through internal and external events.
• Working with customer service team members to provide a positive donor experience and minimise attrition.
• Manage two annual appeals, by engaging new and existing donors through The Big Issue magazine, social media channels and other resources.

Required skills and qualifications

• Ideally 2 year’s experience in event planning or event coordination planning and activating events, with a proven track record of creative, successful events.
• Experience in coordinating and executing various activities to raise funds and awareness for a cause.
• Experience working with stakeholders across graphic design, sales, marketing, and communications.
• Excellent organisational, communication, negotiating, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a customer-service mindset.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills, attention to detail with efficient time management.
• Experience in planning and activating events, a collaborative team-player with a “can do” attitude.
• First and foremost, interpersonal skills are a must, with a level of maturity and understanding needed when working with those who use and support our services.
• Experience in organising events, managing campaigns, and donor acquisition/retention.
• Ability to work independently on projects and as part of a team.
• Ability to plan, prioritise workloads, and meet deadlines as required.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are important for effectively conveying our mission and engaging others in fundraising efforts.

Style

All positions at The Big Issue and Homes for Homes are designed to meet the company’s goals. To achieve these goals, we need people who:

• Communicate
• Support
• Commit
• Lead
• Motivate
• Perform
• Adapt

Other information

• Out of hours duties may be required
• This role is based in the Melbourne CBD head office
• Other duties may be required at the discretion of management

Relevant websites

• www.thebigissue.org.au
• www.homesforhomes.org.au