Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability amongst adults. One stroke occurs every 19 minutes in Australia and 27,428 Australians experienced a stroke for the first time in 2020. There are over 445,000 Australians living with stroke in 2020. The economic cost of stroke exceeded $6.2 billion, with a further $26.0 billion in lost wellbeing - due to short and long-term disability, and premature death. In addition:

• 8,703 Australians will die because of stroke this year.
• 24 percent of strokes occur in people aged 18-54; in 2012 this age group represented 14 percent.
• Regional and rural Australians are 17% more likely to experience a stroke than their metropolitan counterparts.

In 2050, without action, 50,600 Australians will experience a stroke for the first time and there will be 819,900 survivors of stroke in the community. Despite public misperception, stroke is largely preventable, it is highly treatable, and survivors can make a good recovery when they receive evidenced based emergency treatment, the appropriate rehabilitation and community support.

About the organisation:

Stroke Foundation is a national charity that partners with the community to prevent, treat and beat stroke. We stand alongside survivors of stroke and their families, healthcare professionals and researchers. We build community awareness and foster new thinking and innovative treatments. We support survivors on their journey to live the best possible life after stroke. We are the voice of stroke in Australia, and we work to:

• Raise awareness of the risk factors, signs of stroke and promote healthy lifestyles. Improve treatment for stroke to save lives and reduce disability.
• Improve life after stroke for survivors.
• Encourage and facilitate stroke research.
• Advocate for initiatives to prevent, treat and beat stroke.
• Raise funds from the community, corporate sector, and governments to continue our mission.

Stroke Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that offers generous salary packaging and opportunities to undertake professional training and development. People with a lived experience of stroke, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Our Values of Courage, Excellence, Compassion, Integrity and Leadership are an integral part of our culture, brand and positioning. These values inform our decisions and behaviours in our dealings internally within the organisation, and externally with our stakeholders. All employees will demonstrate behaviours aligning with these Stroke Foundation values.

Overall purpose of the team / program:

The Stroke Foundation Community Engagement program aims to raise the profile of the organisation to increase support for our activities across the Australian community. A major component of the program is to establish and develop partnerships with individuals and organisations nationally thereby facilitating engagement with these stakeholders at local levels to build participation, reputation and ensure high levels of engagement in Stroke Foundation programs.

There is a focus on activities related to primary and secondary prevention of stroke and stroke awareness campaigns. The Stroke Foundation Community Engagement program provides Stroke Foundations national reach and local presence.

Overall purpose of position:

Reporting to the Stroke Prevention Manager, the Community Engagement Coordinator VIC/SA is primarily responsible for actively promoting Stroke Foundation activities at a state level, and engaging organisations and individuals in key programs and campaigns including, but not limited to, Volunteer Program, Community Education, National Stroke Week, Stroke Awards, and Community Fundraising activities in order to increase reach, engagement, and revenue for the organisation.

Whilst the role is primarily servicing VIC/SA, there is a national approach to activities and an expectation that the Community Engagement Team members support each other’s activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop and support state community engagement activities to ensure Stroke Foundation programs and campaigns achieve participation and/or financial targets
• Increase participation in Stroke Foundation community engagement programs and campaigns
• Develop, build and maintain positive relationships with organisations and individuals to support the growth and sustainability of Stroke Foundation programs
• In consultation with the People and Culture team, and in line with the national volunteer program processes and systems, support local volunteer recruitment, induction and participation at a state level
• In consultation with the Stroke Prevention Manager and Marketing team, coordinate volunteers to deliver the StrokeSafe Ambassador Program at a state level
• Assist in the delivery of state-based public campaigns including, but not limited to, Stroke Week activities health check activations, Stroke Award activities and community fundraising events
• Ensure communication messages and strategies are consistent and aligned with the Stroke Foundation communication strategy and brand guidelines

Position Requirements:

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in marketing, communications, public relations, health, business development/marketing or fundraising or equivalent work experience in one or more of these areas.

Skills

• Exceptional customer service and relationship building and coordination skills with clear ability to relate to people of varied ages, roles and cultural backgrounds
• Excellent phone and face-to-face meeting skills, displaying a mature, ethical, professional manner along with a commitment to a high standard of performance
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with the ability to positively inspire support from individuals, groups and organisations
• High levels of attention to detail, quality control and adherence to administrative procedures
• Excellent time management, organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise, be flexible and adapt to varying workloads and to effectively manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment, as well as independently, assuming responsibility for strengthening relationships and assigned supporters, completing nominated tasks and being accountable and reliable

Experience

• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating local campaigns
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking community engagement activities
• Experience in working with a volunteer workforce (highly desirable)
• Experience in program/project development and delivery in not-for-profit sector (desirable)
• Previous experience working locally whilst implementing a national strategy (desirable)

Work Health and Safety Responsibilities:

• All employees will contribute to a healthy, positive and supportive work environment
• All employees must comply with Stroke Foundation’s Work Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
• All employees must adopt safe work practices that comply with Work Health and Safety requirements and must not wilfully place at risk the health and safety of any other person in the workplace
• The physical requirements of the position (or any physical limitations) will be discussed prior to your commencement; and

Pre-Employment Checks:

• This position is subject to the following:
• National Police Check
• Professional Reference Checks
• Evidence of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is required for this role (unless a valid exemption exists) Evidence of required clinical or other qualifications (specific to be noted)

What's on offer?

A flexible, innovative and dynamic organisation with engaged knowledgeable employees and volunteers with the added benefits of competitive remuneration and salary packaging.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of Australia’s leading not-for profit organisations that has a positive influence on the lives of thousands of Australians each year. If you are passionate about making an impact, and want to be part of an organisation that is making a real difference in people’s lives, please click Apply Now.

Stroke Foundation embraces cultural diversity and strongly encourages suitably qualified people from all cultural backgrounds to apply.

Stroke Foundation is a bi-partisan organisation that delivers advocacy activities in line with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) guidelines. https://www.acnc.gov.au/