further development of RCOA's work in campaigns and public fundraising. ... Coordinate the promotion of RCOA's message t
POSITION VACANT
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Sydney or Melbourne) The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), the independent national community voice on refugee issues, is seeking a Communications Director, to be based in either Sydney or Melbourne. Funded predominantly by public donations and membership fees, RCOA was formed in 1981 as the national umbrella body for organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers. With the support of its 200 organisational and 950 individual members, RCOA conducts research, raises awareness and advocates on national and international issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers. The Communications Director will take a leadership role in RCOA’s small but effective team, promoting awareness of refugee issues to the public, through the media and to political decision-makers. The Communications Director will work with the Chief Executive Officer in the further development of RCOA’s work in campaigns and public fundraising. The successful applicant will be a motivated and effective communicator with excellent writing skills, an understanding of refugee issues, relevant tertiary qualifications and experience in media, public advocacy and/or marketing. People of refugee background are encouraged to apply. The base salary, superannuation and leave loading total $98,500 p.a. but this is negotiable for the right candidate. Fringe benefits arrangements for staff of public benevolent institutions are also available, increasing the effective value of the salary package. Visit www.refugeecouncil.org.au for the position description and selection criteria. For more information, contact Effie Mitchell in our Sydney office via email (
[email protected]) or by phone on (02) 9211-9333.
Applications close 5pm on Tuesday, 20 January 2015.
Sydney office: Suite 4A6, 410 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia Phone: (02) 9211 9333 ● Fax: (02) 9211 9288
[email protected] Web: www.refugeecouncil.org.au ●Twitter: @OzRefugeeCounc
Melbourne office: Level 2, 313-315 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Phone: (03) 9600 3302
[email protected] Incorporated in ACT ● ABN 87 956 673 083
Position description
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Role description Public information • Coordinate the preparation of campaign updates, bulletins, newsletters and reports to members, supporters and other contacts. • Manage RCOA’s relationship with the media, draft and distribute media releases, seek opportunities for appropriate media coverage of issues of concern to RCOA, maintain media databases, coordinate requests for information from the media and, where necessary, speak on behalf of the organisation. • Coordinate the content of RCOA’s website and its various subsites, with assistance from the Administration and Membership Officer. • Coordinate the promotion of RCOA’s message through social media. • Lead RCOA’s planning of Refugee Week and other public events. • Oversee RCOA’s response to public requests for information. Advocacy • Manage the public campaign activities of RCOA, working in close consultation with the CEO. • Coordinate the distribution of appropriate information from RCOA to Parliamentarians and coordinate RCOA’s involvement in creating opportunities for members and supporters to be involved in advocacy with Parliamentarians and government agencies. Fundraising • Work with the CEO in advancing RCOA’s public fundraising strategy. • Supervise fundraising appeals and oversee the Administration and Membership Officer’s work in maintaining membership, donor and contact databases and in responding to donors. Research • Assist, as required, with research on refugee and asylum seeker issues and the preparation and dissemination of research reports. Management and administration administration • Work with the CEO in the development of RCOA’s media, campaigns and fundraising strategies and, if funding permits, assist with the recruitment and supervision of additional staff. • Assist in the supervision of staff, volunteers and interns, as required by the CEO. • Prepare reports to the RCOA Board and its committees on matters relevant to the Communications Director’s role. • Carry out other duties as determined by the CEO. The Communications Director is directly responsible to the Chief Executive Officer of the Refugee Council of Australia and, through the CEO, to the Board of the Council. December 2014
Selection criteria To be successful in this role, you must meet the following selection criteria: 1. Excellent written communication skills and extensive experience in preparing media releases, articles for publication and reports. 2. Experience in media liaison, use of social media and website management. 3. Experience in advocacy campaigns, marketing and/or fundraising. 4. Strong organisational skills, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines and high level of computer literacy. 5. Experience in supervising paid staff and/or volunteers. 6. Knowledge of refugee and asylum seeker issues. 7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the capacity to communicate respectfully with marginalised people. 8. Relevant university qualifications. Application process Each applicant must directly address each of the above selection criteria criteria. Applications which fail to address the selection criteria will not be considered. Applicants are also asked to include a sample of written material which demonstrates their ability to write effectively and concisely. This sample must be original material which has not been edited by others. It does not necessarily need to have been published. Address applications to: to Office Manager Refugee Council of Australia Suite 4A6, 410 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
[email protected] Applications close 5pm on Tuesday 20 January 2015.
Vision, purpose and aims of Refugee Council of Australia Vision: To be an effective, respected and representative national voice for humane refugee policies and practices. Purpose: To work with its members in promoting the development of humane, lawful and constructive policies towards refugees and asylum seekers by Australian and other governments and their communities. Aims: In order to achieve this purpose, the Council pursues the following aims: (a) To act as a unifying organisation and to represent its members. (b) To promote the empowerment of refugee communities and individuals in Australia and internationally and support the capacity building of Australia’s refugee sector. (c) To monitor, research and present information on issues relating to the needs and circumstances of refugees and asylum seekers. (d) To assist governments and inter-governmental organisations to formulate policy and improve support and services for refugees and asylum seekers. (e) To increase public awareness and media sensitivity towards refugees and asylum seekers. (RCOA Strategic Plan 2011-15)
