At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people. A community not-for-profit organisation with 17 million participations annually across Australia. 8,000 staff and volunteers serve at more than 150 locations every day. We partner with government and private capital to deliver programs and services that include community recreation, adventure and stadium sports, camping, learn to swim, children's programs, early learning, youth services, retirement living, disability services and social enterprises.

About the Centre

The State Office is home to YMCA Victoria support functions, being, Payroll, Business Systems, Finance, Marketing and Engagement and the People & Culture Team.

The office is situated in the vibrant Box Hill area, which is host to many amenities; food, transport (Train & Buses) and parks.​

Key Elements of the Role

As one of two organisational Media Specialists, this role with require you to:

• Proactively seek to develop relationships with key media outlets and journalists relevant to the YMCA's target audiences and organisational goals, specifically around media KPI's relating to Vision 2025 strategic priorities
• Lead in the development of organisational media and advocacy strategy for YMCA Victoria, including exploring media partnerships where appropriate
• Assist with formulating key messages and training of organisational spokespeople to represent the YMCA in the media
• Develop and deliver a media 101 training program across operations to help build capacity and awareness of how to identify a story and respond to media enquiries
• Where required provide organisation-wide media training (i.e. local media or programmatic such as YMCA Youth Parliament Press Gallery) and supporting resources to staff across operations – maintaining centralised media templates
• Oversee media monitoring for YMCA Victoria, distribute media clips to relevant parties, prepare media evaluation reports on campaigns and for the organisation each month

Selection Criteria

Capabilities and Behaviours

• Demonstrates motivation and commitment to perform to their best
• Accepts personal accountability for workplace actions and consequences to better influence
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development of media and PR strategy
• Exceptional communications skills, written and verbal
• Demonstrated experience in writing, editing and proof-reading
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and deadlines
• Personal initiative and commitment to a high-quality product
• The ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and work in a communication focused team environment
• A high level of attention to detail
• A commitment to working in the not-for-profit sector.

Knowledge and Experience

• Working knowledge of current media environment both traditional and new media
• Demonstrated ability to identify positive news opportunities and pitch stories to the media
• Demonstrated experience in working with media and journalists and achieving media outcomes
• Familiarity with MS Office products including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and familiarity with SharePoint
• A minimum of three years' experience in a relevant media and PR role.

Personal Attributes

• Shares and acts in line with organisational values on honesty, caring, responsibility and respect
• Enthusiastic and passionate

Qualifications

• Working With Children, Safeguarding Children and Young People Certificate (completion online prior to commencement).

YMCA Victoria is committed to safeguarding children and young people. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment, and successful applicants must comply with the YMCA’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Framework.

Visit our website for further information or see the full Position Description attached below.