The Role:

Are you a passionate and skilled journalist seeking to make a difference in the Social Justice and Not For Profit sector? We are seeking a dedicated and driven journalist to join our team at St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia. Our publications and media releases are committed to delivering in-depth, impactful news and community coverage.

The role of the Manager National Communications is to position the Society as a key voice on the issues outlined in the National Council’s Strategic Plan and to portray the Society as a member-driven charity that perpetuates good works throughout the Australian community.

This is a strategic position that works closely with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the National Council of the Society in Australia has clear and transparent communication with all internal and external stakeholders.

This role is also responsible for supervising and mentoring a staff member, ensuring professional development, performance management, and fostering a positive and respectful working environment.

Key Business Drivers:

This position is directly responsible to the Chief Executive Officer, or his/her delegate, for the following KBDs and the achievement of Key Performance Indicators (which are outlined at Attachment 1).

• Development, implementation and timely review of a National Communications Strategy.

• Preparation of Media Releases, editorial material, e.g. op-eds for major print media, and writing, editing content and pre-production work for the quarterly magazine The Record.

• Networking with relevant media organisations and journalists and media monitoring (via external provider) and distribution to internal stakeholders.

• Management of the Society’s social media engagement which includes:

  • supervision of National Social Media Coordinator;

  • implementation and review of a National Social Media Strategy; and

  • management of Digital Asset Management System.

• In liaison with the Chief Executive Officer, preparation of speeches for the National President.

• Preparation of accurate and up to date internal and external facing materials that align with the Society’s values and federal policy positions, working closely with other members of the Secretariate which may include:

• Director, Research and Policy,

• Director of IT & Digital Services who supervises:

• Digital Platforms and Data Specialist, and
• Digital Content Administrator.

• Ongoing review of communication channels and assessment of effectiveness of engagement.

• Oversight of the management of the Society’s social media engagement, and liaison with the Society’s website content management.

• Other duties as directed.

• These KBDs and the associated KPIs cannot be delegated without the authority of the CEO or their delegate. Other duties may be required, as directed, commensurate with skills and abilities.

Selection Criteria:

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary level qualifications.
• Demonstrates capacity to network in a complex stakeholder environment in a strategic manner
• Displays high level interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, which demonstrate emotional maturity adaptability, initiative and versatility, with capability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Understands the practical application of confidentiality and respects in-camera conversations.
• Provides evidence of ability to deliver deadlines in a high-demand environment.
• Demonstrates capability to be self-directed with a ‘can-do’ attitude – being a colleague who initiates, progresses and completes strategic tasks.

Desirable:

• Minimum five years’ experience in a similar role or demonstrated aptitude, including a portfolio of past work, to meet the criteria.
• An understanding of the Society’s ethos, as described in its Mission and Vision statements, and the role of Catholic Social Teaching principles in guiding this commitment.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance issues and the ability to apply these in a practical manner.

A position description is attached.