• Collingwood, Melbourne VIC
• Full time
• $100,000 – $115,000 per year

The Senior Communications Officer, Media & Public Relations’ main focus is on driving and implementing VACCHO’s proactive media strategy, preparing VACCHO spokespeople to respond to media requests as well as developing relationships with both mainstream and Community media outlets. This role involves writing media releases and key messages for issues, campaigns and projects in collaboration with other VACCHO teams.

This role is responsible for writing speeches for the VACCHO CEO and Board Chair, and from time to time other VACCHO Executives when delivering keynote speeches. This role works collaboratively with other teams, particularly Policy team, to deliver on VACCHO’s advocacy and change campaigns and works collaboratively with the Communications and Digital Services team to develop communications materials and content.

Benefits

• Working for Community in a culturally safe Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
• Access to generous Not for Profit salary packaging entitlements and leave loading.
• Access to additional leave entitlements including cultural leave, purchased leave and bonus Christmas leave if employed at VACCHO into the following year.
• Organisational early finish Fridays and flexible working arrangements considered.
• Work in inner-city Collingwood with wellness spaces and end of trip facilities available.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement VACCHO’s media strategy and focus on building relationships to increase VACCHO’s profile as Victoria’s peak body for Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
• Assist in the implementation of the communications strategy, by using proactive media strategy to increase VACCHO’s profile as Victoria’s peak body for Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
• Develop proactive media strategy and materials to grow the reach of VACCHO’s communications to help improve Community and mainstream trust in VACCHO as an organisation
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with both mainstream and Community media outlets
• Respond efficiently to media/news requests and prepare VACCHO talent to respond to media inquiries and participate in media/news events
• Prepare media releases both proactively and reactively as required
• Provide strategic advice on event engagement and prepare speeches and written remarks for VACCHO CEO and Board chair, as well as from time to time other VACCHO executive as required
• Work closely with other VACCHO teams to develop key messages on issues, projects and campaigns
• In close collaboration with policy and other teams lead the media aspect of VACCHO’s advocacy and change campaigns

Knowledge and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Affairs or Journalism or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience of working in a similar media and/or campaign-based role for at least 3 years.
• Demonstrated experience preparing media releases and supporting colleagues to present to the media (eg. TV, radio)
• Excellent judgement in handling media inquiries and providing strategic advice and a broad network of media contacts.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in campaign design and rollout to achieve desired change.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience using Microsoft applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Project Management) combined with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Desirable

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply as your cultural and lived experiences are central to the work we do.

Highly Regarded

• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and commitment to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and health.
• Demonstrated understanding of the philosophy and practice of Aboriginal Community Control.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal peoples, Communities, and organisations, in a culturally safe, and appropriate, manner.
• Demonstrated understanding of LGBTQIASB+ issues and experience with LGBTQIASB+ people via professional engagement, employment or lived experience.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and always remain impartial.
• Self-motivated and demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and as an effective team member, promoting cooperation and commitment to achieve goals.
• A flexible approach, with strong organisational and planning skills, including the ability to effectively manage time and workload, prioritise tasks, and meet changing circumstances, competing demands, interruptions, and deadlines.
• Personal alignment with VACCHO’s Values (see below)

Key selection criteria specific to the role

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience relevant to this role as described.

Get in touch

For more information regarding this role including requesting the full position description, please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Communications Officer - Media and Public Relations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Other employment related information

Employment is subject to satisfactory and ongoing police records check (international where relevant) and Working with Children Check.

About Us

We are a centre of expertise, policy advice, training, innovation and leadership in Aboriginal health and wellbeing.

Visit us here for more info: https://www.vaccho.org.au/

VACCHO is committed to welcoming and embracing the diversity of cultures, identities, gender, sex, and sexually diverse identities and expressions, experiences, beliefs, and values of all people.

We believe in the right for all people to be treated with the respect and dignity at all times, and that all people who work for, govern or undertake work at or visit us should at all times feel safe and included.

About Salary Packaging

As a Public Benevolent Institute (PBI), we are able to offer generous tax concessions to our staff. For further information, please click here: https://www.salarypackagingplus.com.au/EmployeeServices/CategoriesAndBenefits#!/PBI&charities

A position description is attached.