The Construction and General Queensland Branch of the CFMEU is looking to employ a Journalist/Communications Officer with strong union values.

The position will have a strong emphasis on engagement with traditional media, as well as telling the stories of our members and proud union. The successful applicant will also work within a campaigns team to ensure that the union’s communications are on message and presented in reader friendly terms.

As a journalist, you will work closely with the Senior Officers to develop messages and media opportunities as well as reaching out to rank and file members and using the union’s communication channels to tell their stories. You will be responsible for monitoring media and identifying opportunities for the union to share our story. You will develop and maintain relationships with relevant journalists and respond to media enquiries as necessary. An ability to quickly prepare press releases will be one essential task.

The Media and Communications Officer will work closely with other members of the communications team to develop and share a variety of original content featuring our valued members and proud union stories. Our work, our families, our campaigns, our history, our values and our community work are all stories that deserve to be heard, you will be a critical part of the team to make that happen.

The successful applicant will have a minimum of four years’ experience as a journalist or equivalent and will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the values of trade unionism. Experience in other communications roles, high pressure environments and particularly a background in campaigning will be highly regarded.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/SELECTION CRITERIA

• Outstanding written communication skills, including writing to word limits.
• A commitment to the Trade Union Movement and our values.
• Ability to write for and relate to a diverse range of audiences.
• Demonstrated research, interview and relationship building skills to source and produce powerful, compelling, and original stories.
• Quality content creation, including media releases, feature articles, industrial and professional articles, news stories, profile pieces, editorial comment, emails, social media platforms and blog posts.
• Good competency with a PC, Microsoft applications and the efficient use of communications technology.
• Attention to detail, including accurate copy writing, editing and proof reading.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work to timelines under pressure.
• An ability to manage professional relationships ethically.
• A strong interest in politics and current affairs.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and the initiative to work independently.

DESIRABLE/HIGHLY REGARDED

• Experience working in a campaign environment to create positive change.
• Development of campaign and communication strategies that engage, interact, activate and influence people.
• Relevant Tertiary qualifications.
• Background knowledge of the construction industry.

The Journalist / Communications Officer position is available on a permanent full time basis with generous conditions dependent on skills and experience.