The Animal Justice Party was formed in response to a growing number of voters who feel strongly that much more needs to be done through the Australian parliamentary system to assist the wellbeing of animals. With thousands of members across Australia and elected MPs in both the NSW and Victorian Parliament, the Animal Justice Party is part of a rapidly growing international movement. Our vision is a planet on which animals are treated with respect, dignity and kindness, where they are able to flourish in their respective environments, and where their unique needs and capabilities are recognised and their interests protected.

Andy Meddick MP is our first elected representative in the Victorian parliament. His team supports him in attempting to gain legislative change that helps animals.

The Electorate Officer role is responsible for working as part of this team, in support of campaign initiatives that our MP is pursuing. We have an ambitious agenda and are seeking the perfect candidate to help us win.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and win one or more ‘animal campaigns’ (that is, legislative changes that improve or save the lives of non-human animals), in cooperation with the rest of the MP’s team.
• Execute and further develop existing campaign plans.
• Become familiar with the strategies and tactics of how to win power and change using the political system in Australia.
• Prepare campaign materials and plans in accordance with established standards.
• Organise meetings with relevant community members and other organisations to cooperate on campaigns.
• Organise educational events and other activities in support of the campaign.
• Discover, recruit, supervise, mentor and encourage a small team of volunteers.

Mandatory skills

• Demonstrated experience working on animal protection campaigns.
• Familiarity with organising principles and experience applying them to community campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A good understanding of how to use the media (mainstream and social) in campaigning.
• Excellent planning, organisational and strategic thinking skills.
• The ability to work in a small but collaborative team.
• A passion and understanding of animal issues.
• A commitment to see things through to the end, and work around barriers (if winning reform for animals was easy, we wouldn’t need to exist!).

Desirable skills

• Good understanding of the political system, including the mechanics of elections and parliament.
• Demonstrated high level communication skills, a readiness and ability to cold call and communicate with diverse internal and external stakeholders to build a relationship.
• Demonstrated project or campaign management experience.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks.

Computer & technology skills

• Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• GSuite, Google Docs and Gmail.
• Social Media platforms, especially Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Desirable experience and personal qualities

• Experience working with, or in a political, community or advocacy organisation.
• Volunteer management experience.
• Flexibility and initiative.
• Enthusiasm and self-direction.
• Ability to work effectively and amicably under pressure.
• Respect for sensitive and confidential information.
• Willingness to work longer and irregular hours in busy campaign periods.

A full Position Description is attached below.