OVERVIEW

This is an unique opportunity to deliver an exciting energy pilot to showcase an all-electric future in a community in NSW’s Illawarra region. The Pilot Communications & Engagement Manager will be a key role in the project and part of a cutting edge team. You will have responsibility for strategic communications to successfully market, recruit, educate and empower community members to participate in this world first project.

ABOUT THE PILOT

Rewiring Australia has put electrification on the national agenda as the fastest way to accelerate emissions reduction in Australia. For households this means replacing gas appliances with efficient electric appliances, maximising rooftop solar and supporting storage and EVs that provide energy to the grid.

This deployment project will electrify 500 homes within a single distribution network area. This concentrated location will test the model and reveal important technical and social barriers. The pilot will further identify key economic and regulatory barriers and opportunities that will help us understand how to advance electrification across the nation.

Rewiring Australia created this electrification deployment concept in order to accelerate climate action. We have partnered with an energy solutions company and a network company to undertake a world-first community electrification pilot.

Rewiring Australia will be responsible primarily for the design and execution of the research outcomes as well as the recruitment and engagement of 500 participants. The initial testing stages of the project are predicted to start in Q3 2024 with full rollout in 2025 and 2026 including monitoring and research.

ABOUT REWIRING AUSTRALIA

Rewiring Australia is a dynamic, growing non-profit organisation. We are the Australian part of a growing international network of climate organisations pushing for rapid emission reduction through electrification. We have shifted the climate and energy debate towards urgent, optimistic action that reduces energy bills for consumers and has the potential to deliver emissions reduction towards a 1.5 degree carbon budget. Most Rewiring Australia staff work remotely but this position will be located with local staff in the 2515 postcode area.

REPORTING & RELATIONSHIPS

• Report directly to the Pilot Operations Manager
• The role is located within the new four-person team located in or near the pilot area: this role, Pilot Operations Manager, Pilot Deployment and Research Manager and Pilot Engagement Support Officer
• Work closely with colleagues in the broader, national Rewiring Australia team, in particular the Communications Manager, Market Transformation Manager and Mobilisation & Engagement Manager to ensure the pilot work complements their national strategies
• Work closely with the pilot consortium partners

REMUNERATION AND TERMS

• 0.8 FTE with flexibility on days and hours worked
• $115,000 annual salary pro rata plus standard superannuation entitlements
• Full-time, 3 month contract which will be extended to an 18-month contract (contingent on reaching funding milestone)
• Standard leave entitlements
• Working from Thirroul office (some remote working acceptable)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and lead the communications and engagement strategy for the implementation of the Pilot with the objective to recruit and support 500+ participants
• Ensure the pilot brand and communications strategy complements the Rewiring Australia brand and communications strategy
• Manage communications for the Pilot including website, emails, social media, traditional media and content creation
• Produce digital, video and print marketing and communications resources and utilise most effective platforms to recruit, engage and empower community members to take part in the pilot, to produce case studies and to support research objectives
• Coordinate in-person engagement and educational activities and events such as workshops and information sessions, with support from the Pilot Engagement Support Officer
• Identify and manage key stakeholders including potential ambassadors, spokespeople, media, partners and community leaders
• Work closely with Pilot team to meet reporting and funding requirements
• Engage and collaborate with a group of local volunteers who have worked for the past 2 years to bring the project to life

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Tertiary qualifications in journalism, communications, public relations or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated extensive experience in leading and implementing effective communications, marketing and engagement strategies that mobilises people to take action
• Demonstrated experience managing the design and delivery of digital and offline communication tools and resources
• Demonstrated experience coordinating in-person events and community organising activities that produce strategic engagement results
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with a keen eye for engaging design and content
• Ability to hit the ground running and operate in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organisational, time management and multitasking skills
• Desirable: Demonstrated interest and experience in energy, electrification, sustainability and/or climate change

To find out more about Rewiring Australia, please see our website here: rewiringaustralia.org.