Communications Officer

• Location: Animals Australia Office (North Melbourne)
• Reporting: Communications Director

Animals Australia works tirelessly to protect the most abused and defenceless animals in our society. Our award winning national campaigns and unique investigative work have awakened millions to the cruel practices of factory farming and live animal export, while pressuring industry and government to take much needed action. Each victory for animals is underpinned by a strong and proactive supporter base.

We are looking for a confident, forward-thinking individual to join Animals Australia’s dynamic Communications and Campaigns team.  With a strong focus on e-communications, this full-time position offers the opportunity to develop diverse communications/advocacy skills in a growing organisation. Reporting to the Communications Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for initiating developing and managing web content; as well as assisting in all areas of internal and external communications. The successful candidate will play an important role in informing and empowering the public about animal issues, as part of Australia's leading animal protection organisation.

Duties

Website and e-communications

• Oversee and implement Animals Australia's e-communications strategy, with direction and input from the Campaign Manager and Communications Director.
• Keep abreast of our campaigns and emerging animal welfare issues, as well as help to identify creative campaign communication opportunities to ensure a proactive and responsive web content schedule.
• Draft written content for web and manage the input of other staff to consistently develop and publish high quality written e-communications (including, but not limited to: web features, blogs, email broadcasts).
• Ensure written web content is kept up-to-date and accurate.
• Provide regular reports on e-communications, along with suggestions for improving our approach (with consideration to user experience, online communications trends, etc.).

Communications - general

• Provide critical communications support to Executive management team.
• Draft supporter communications including letters, emails and campaign material.
• Respond to day-to-day requests for information from members of the public.
• As directed, assist in media liaison and distribution of media releases.

Selection Criteria

Professional Skills

• Exceptional writing skills with extensive experience in developing written communications for different mediums and audiences (convince us in writing!)
• The ability to use creative and strategic writing skills to produce compelling copy and translate technical information into engaging and persuasive communication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines to a high standard of accuracy and consistency.
• A good understanding of web media, in general, and experience in using web based applications to publish online content, (as well as a readiness to learn basic HTML for content formatting).
• Proven research and problem solving skills. Strong understanding of animal protection issues in Australia.
• Strong understanding of effective advocacy in an animal protection context.

Desirable Skills: (non-essential to apply)

• Qualifications in a relevant field i.e. communications/journalism/professional writing and editing highly regarded.
• Web design skills (such as basic HTML, basic photo editing).
• Familiarity with online social mediums, including Facebook and Twitter.
• Experience in a campaign organisation.

Personal Qualities:

• A high level of enthusiasm, initiative and creativity.
• Highly organised, with the ability to self-manage, prioritise projects, and work under minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Able to perform under pressure and work to campaign deadlines.
• Willingness to adapt and learn new skills where needed.
• An understanding of and commitment to the objectives of Animals Australia.