The Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting Down Syndrome Australia to deliver on strategic priorities, including advocacy and projects, and build the impact of the organisation through supporting the planning and delivery of organisational communications.

The position is part-time 3 days a week and reports to the National Communications Manager. The initial contract will be for the period ended 31 July 2024, with the possibility for extension. Generous charity salary packaging of over $16,000 per annum is available.

Organisational Background

Down Syndrome Australia is the national peak organisation for people living with Down syndrome and their families. Our purpose is to influence social and policy change and provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome.

Our vision is an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential, and enjoy social and economic inclusion. People with Down syndrome are at the centre of all the work that we do. All our work is informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Down Syndrome Australia and its member State and Territory Down syndrome organisations work together to provide support for people with Down syndrome and to make Australian society inclusive for people with Down syndrome. We work in partnership to maximise the opportunities and support for people with Down syndrome and their families and support networks.

Who we are looking for:

Excellent Writing And Editing Skills

Writing copy for a variety of audiences, across a range of communications such as social media, blog posts, newsletters articles, and external communications.

Creativity

Utilising your creative skills to think of new content, trial ideas, create images for our communication channels, and ensure our channels are visually aligned with our branding.

Organised and Flexible

We need someone willing to plan and schedule communications, and work towards regular deadlines like our monthly newsletter. While we aim to be organised, communications is dynamic – so we need someone who is willing to be responsive to sharing organisational updates, or support at critical advocacy moments.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

DSA uses evidence and insights to drive our communications so that we continue to improve. We also like to trial and test new ideas with our community to see what works. You will be keen to understand our audiences, willing to crunch the numbers and use evidence and analysis to drive improvements.

Initiative & Autonomy

DSA is a small but mighty team – we support and trust each other to deliver on work. We are looking for people who thrive on having autonomy to manage workload, deliver on outcomes and actively contribute to the organisation.

A Team Player & Expert Communicator

The communications team works across all projects of the organisation, so building collaborative relationships and clear communication is critical. As a communications professional you will be asked for your advice to support team outcomes, will need to problem solve and be adaptable to manage workload.

Commitment to Supporting People with a Disability

DSA staff are united in our passion to support people with Down syndrome, and people with disability more broadly. We are looking for people who share our values of dignity, equity and respect of everyone, and have experience and commitment to working in a strengths-based, human rights organisation.

Position Responsibilities

These roles will be responsible for:

• Support the National Communications Manager to plan, create, manage and optimise organisational communications
• Develop compelling content for various communications channels, including social media platforms, newsletters and website content
• Build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders and external contractors
• Manage and curate Down Syndrome Australia’s social media channels, including producing copy and graphics, ensuring consistency of branding and ongoing monitoring and reporting of impact
• Build relationships with other staff to ensure that the DSA team is supported to communicate the outcomes of their work
• Assist with communications planning and execution for events, campaigns and projects to maximize reach and impact
• Work closely with DSA staff, stakeholders, and people with Down syndrome to gather information, stories and updates for communication purposes
• Support key organisational events
• Prepare and deliver other ad hoc communications, as and when required such as developing resources and social media advertising
• Experience using CRMs, Canva (or similar), WordPress (or similar) and other communications technology

Selection Criteria - Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to the human rights of people with intellectual disability and people with disability more broadly
• Completed Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field and/or relevant professional experience in communications, marketing or brand management
• High level interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and capacity to problem solve
• Experience developing and implementing effective, segmented communication plans across multi-channels and touchpoints, with evidence of monitoring, evaluation and learning
• Experience in creating digital assets, creating and innovating content for social and digital channels.
• Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated experience in productive working relationships with colleagues, peer organisations and stakeholders to achieve required outcomes.
• Ability to work with a high level autonomy in managing and organising work, as well as working as part of a team demonstrating the ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs

Work Environment

This position can be a work from home role from anywhere in Australia, or may be based in an office environment (if desired). The nature of this role and its responsibilities deems that occasionally some work will be required outside normal business hours. Some interstate travel will be required. The successful applicant will initially be employed for a probationary period of six months.

Acceptance of the position involves a willingness to work within the philosophies and policy directions of Down Syndrome Australia. The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre-employment checks including professional referees, completion of a satisfactory police records check and working with children check.

Down Syndrome Australia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse people, women, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and people with a disability.