• Dates: April – End November (with potential to extend)
• Hours: Approximately 8 hours a week, increasing during the Festival and other peak periods. Hours will vary to fit around your other commitments outside of the festival and key event dates
• Remuneration: None - Volunteer role, any relevant expenses covered
• Location: Remote working, with regular monthly meetings in Melbourne
• Reports to: Marketing Manager

About the role

The Communications Officer will be responsible for maximising EFFA’s audience engagement and activation via the creation of e-newsletter materials and digital communications campaigns. This role also manages the relationship with EFFA’s publicists and creates media releases while also assisting with creating pitching plans. The successful applicant will gain invaluable practical experience, develop broad networks and establish industry connections.

This is a voluntary position, running from late March/early April to late November, with the possibility of extending. The average time commitment is approximately 8 hours per week, with more time required closer to the festival. Hours will vary and are generally flexible to suit around your other commitments. You will be predominantly working remotely, with regular meetings in Melbourne throughout the year.

Key responsibilities

• Create a communications plan to identify blog, media and eDM opportunities 
• Produce and distribute well-written and engaging copy for media releases, eDMs and the website and write copy for EFFA’s venue websites (such as ACMI)
• Work with the Marketing Manager to assist with marketing strategies and with the Social Media Coordinator to produce social media copy
• Support fundraising initiatives via communications
• Write copy for and assist with developing the print program and assist in writing sponsor proposals and acquittals
• Identify proactive PR opportunities with the Marketing Manager and generate increased awareness of EFFA amongst film enthusiasts, environmental groups and the general public

Key performance indicators

• EFFA’s communications assist in generating strong audience numbers
• Strong media coverage is secured, and media and public sentiment is positive, as reflected in media coverage

About us

The Environmental Film Festival Australia (EFFA) is an entirely volunteer-run organisation, operating in Melbourne since 2010.

EFFA is more than just a film festival – it's a catalyst for positive and sustainable change. We inform, inspire, entertain and educate audiences of all ages, sharing films from around the world. Our key mission is to showcase great cinema and art that celebrates nature, flora, fauna and wildlife, champions the people, organisations and projects protecting our environment, and illustrates the unprecedented global threats our world faces, such as climate change, food sustainability, habitat loss and pollution.

Following record attendance in 2019, with the festival hosting more than 20 screenings, alongside panel discussions, parties and special events, our next edition promises to be our biggest yet, tapping into the ever-growing interest in and concern about the world around us.

EFFA takes place in Melbourne in October, with several smaller events being planned year-round. Visit effa.org.au to find out more.

Benefits of volunteering

EFFA has a passionate, values-driven and diverse team who were attracted to the festival for a multitude of reasons: from bringing unique perspectives to the big screen to harnessing their unique skill sets to enact social change. EFFA provides an opportunity to gain experience in a leading arts festival and to help contribute to a better world. With 76% of volunteers staying year-on-year, and with many people leaving to pursue new festival-related roles, you’ll be joining a group of fun, dedicated, like-minded people.

By being part of EFFA, you’ll:

• Inspire audiences of all ages to make positive and sustainable change, as we tackle the biggest challenges the world has ever faced
• Work with and promote the world’s best environmental filmmakers and artists
• Be part of a fun, passionate team, all inspired by the power of filmmaking to capture hearts and minds
• Share and develop your skills with one of Australia’s most notable sustainability events
• Enjoy complimentary access to EFFA screenings and events

About you

The Communications Officer will be a creative thinker and an exceptional writer, with outstanding skills in creating engaging written content, and in identifying interesting media and blog opportunities to raise EFFA’s profile. Your amazing talents will help EFFA gain media coverage, drive ticket sales, and make EFFA’s annual programme a success.

You will enjoy working at a hands-on level, with a focus on copywriting for the EFFA program, website, media releases and eDMs. 

You will also enjoy identifying story angles to help EFFA’s publicists pitch stories, and will interview EFFA panellists and filmmakers to help drive ticket sales.

Qualifications & experience

• Tertiary degree in Marketing, Communications or relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant experience (preferably at least two years)
• Proven experience in communications/PR

Key selection criteria

Essential

• Proven experience in delivering dynamic and successful communications plans, preferably at least two years and linked with ticket sales and/or increasing audience and stakeholder engagement, supported by relevant qualifications in communications
• Highly developed written communications skills including promotional copywriting, editing, and writing media releases
• Demonstrated experience in creating interesting blog content and in identifying media pitching opportunities
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working with diverse groups to achieve shared goals
• Outstanding copywriting skills, with exceptional attention to detail

Desirable

• An interest in contemporary environmental issues at a local, national and international level
• A passion for film, particularly documentaries, shorts and issues-based cinema
• Experience using CRM and email marketing programs
• Proficient use of Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets and Docs)