The Northern Territory Council of Service Inc (NTCOSS) is the peak body for the Northern Territory social and community service sector and an advocate for those who experience disadvantage and social exclusion. NTCOSS works to ensure that government policy improves the lives of people who face disadvantage and that community service organisations are adequately resourced and supported.

Position Title: Media and Communications Officer

Position Purpose: Ensure the provision of effective external communications for NTCOSS which contributes to the development of a strong and viable social and community service sector in the Northern Territory.

Position Reports to: CEO

Position Location: Darwin or Alice Springs

Industrial Instrument: The Fair Work Act 2009, Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services industry (SCHCADS) Award 2010 and the Northern Territory Council of Social Service Incorporated Enterprise Agreement 2017.

Terms of Employment: Award Classification:

Salary: Part Time (30 hours per week)

Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHCADS) Award 2010 Social and Community Services Employees level 6

Above Award at $99,372 per annum (pro rata)

Other Basic Entitlements: 10% Superannuation paid to a fund of employee choice.

Background to the position

In collaboration with the NTCOSS Policy Team, the Media and Communications Officer is responsible for managing the development, distribution and promotion of NTCOSS public messaging, using a variety of platforms including newsletters, traditional media and social media.

The position is ideal for someone with experience in journalism, writing and communications, and preferably with visual and design capabilities, with a strong interest in social justice.

The Media and Communications Officer will be expected to develop and maintain external relationships with NTCOSS members, government and media stakeholders. It will also be required to work closely and collaboratively with the Policy Team to ensure alignment of messaging.

Statement of Duties

1. Develop and publish media releases and opinion pieces relating to NTCOSS advocacy and policy positions, to facilitate respectful, compassionate and constructive public discussion about people who are impacted by inequality and disadvantage in the NT
2. Monitor the political, social and media landscapes and proactively identify advocacy priorities relating to NTCOSS policy positions
3. Oversee the development and implementation of an integrated, organisational communications strategy, including general media management, media releases and responses, and consultation and communication with NTCOSS members and stakeholders
4. In collaboration with the Management Team, review and implement the NTCOSS brand strategy/style guide to ensure it is aligned with the organisation’s strategic plan
5. Proactively lead the strategic distribution and moderation of digital content across new and existing platforms
6. Work collaboratively with the NTCOSS team to ensure external communications are consistent with policy positions and research and data work across the organisation
7. Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with NTCOSS members, the media, COSS colleagues and NT Government
8. Support the promotion of events to achieve advocacy and engagement goals
9. Maintain and update the organisation’s website and social media channels, in collaboration with the Management team
10. Work with COSS colleagues on shared priorities and joint media and communication projects
11. Provide input to the Operations and Membership Team in the areas of website development and management, membership processes and the use of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
12. Other related duties as required by the Management team.

Position Attributes

1. Experience and skills in journalism, media, public relations, marketing or similar, with evidence of a relevant degree or equivalent experience
2. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
3. High level of proficiency creating content for and managing social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
4. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with a diverse range of people
5. Ability to generate new ideas, solve problems and work autonomously on an agreed agenda within agreed timelines and budget
6. A genuine commitment to social justice principles
7. Experience in dealing with media and generating coverage along with an understanding of the NT media and political landscape
8. Ability to coordinate media launches and events
9. Awareness of the contemporary social policy environment, community sector and the role of peak bodies
10. A current NT Working With Children Card and a current NT drivers licence
11. Desirable requirement: Graphic design skills and good command of working with CRM, Microsoft 365 including Teams & SharePoint, Adobe suite, and WordPress

NTCOSS is an equal opportunity employer, and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences

Application Information:

Applicants are welcome to contact Michelle Barton, NTCOSS Operations Manager, via [email protected], using the subject line: Media and Communications Officer - Darwin / Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs for further information regarding the position.

A position description is attached.