• Full time, Fixed Term (12 month mat leave cover) based in Sydney.
• Flexible work from home arrangements available, no mandated days in the office!
• Do you want to do work that really matters? Help us end avoidable blindness.

ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

The Foundation is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight.  We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live. Over 30 years The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as in Australia. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind, or vision impaired and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to sight and good health.

The Foundation is also proud to announce that we were awarded the Employer of Choice Award (Public Sector and NFP) at the 2022 Australian HR Awards.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Communications and PR Coordinator is accountable for supporting the Head of Communications in daily communications, media, public relations, and administrative work that align with The Foundation’s strategic framework.

ABOUT YOU

You will have a strong news sense and ability to handle media issues with a high level of proactivity and responsiveness. You will have excellent editing, writing and proofreading skills. You will have the ability to translate technical information into plain English. Furthermore, you will have good project management skills with the capability to independently deliver tasks according to deadlines. Finally, you will have an understanding of style guides, branding and key messages, and applying these to publications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support The Foundation’s communications team on communications issues, including responses to public enquiries, liaising with speakers and ambassadors, writing event briefs and speaking notes.
• Reactive media relations: Field and handle reactive media issues and enquiries for The Foundation, including contentious and sensitive issues, according to internal protocols. Draft media responses and statements proactively in anticipation of issues and reactively in response to enquiries.
• Proactive media relations: Identifying opportunities, story development, pitching and coordinating interviews that generate media coverage and align with The Foundation’s communications strategy. Source and secure speaking opportunities for spokespeople and ambassadors to establish The Foundation as a primary source of truth and expertise, and to raise brand awareness.
• Media monitoring and reporting, including being the main relationship manager with the media monitoring company, sourcing and saving clips and producing reports that explain key metrics.
• Support the production and on-time delivery of The Foundation’s annual and bi-annual publications like Fred’s Vision and the Annual Report. This includes liaising with stakeholders across the organisation to source content.
• Collaborate internally to identify PR and media opportunities to raise brand awareness and support events, such as the Humanity and Fred Awards.
• Strong internal and external stakeholder management: Foster relationships with journalists, The Foundation’s spokespeople and subject matter experts, and their executive assistants, and external agencies/contractors.
• Support operational and administrative work of the Communications team, such as liaising with suppliers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Strong experience in proactive media relations and pitching.
• Experience in reactive media and managing issues.
• Strong experience in writing public-facing communication materials such as media releases, speaking points, and external publications.
• Ability to work collaboratively, fostering close relationships with journalists, external agencies, and other team members to achieve shared goals.
• Experience in delivering high quality communications materials for a diverse audience.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered.  Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you. Including:

• Generous salary packaging - we provide access to not-for-profit salary packaging options, which will increase your take home pay, we also offer 17.5% annual leave loading.
• Flexible work environment – we focus on output, not hours and enable you to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
• Generous leave allowances – we offer Paid parental leave; 5 days bonus leave every year; an annual Foundation-wide “Me Day”, birthday leave; and time off for culturally significant/ceremonial leave.
• Ongoing commitment to your continuous learning and career development – through tailored leadership and professional development programs, access to LinkedIn Learning and focused development conversations.

To find out more about our benefits click here.

APPLICATIONS

Please apply directly via the "Apply Now" Button, please include a CV and Cover Letter.

Should you have any questions regarding the opportunity please reach out to our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected], using the subject line: Communications and PR Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs, for a confidential conversation. Kindly note that CVs will not be considered through this email address.

A position description is attached.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to protecting the rights of children and community partners in all areas where we work. Applicants are advised that The Foundation reserves the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.

Please note: We will not be accepting CV’s via agencies for this role.