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Communications Manager

International Fund for Animal Welfare

Position Summary / Objective

IFAW Oceania is seeking a creative, self-propelled, detail-oriented and passionate individual to serve as the region’s Communications Manager. This job is best suited to an individual who brings an abiding interest in the substance of IFAW’s work (animals and the planet) and impeccable communication skills with a proven track record of strong writing and storytelling, brand and marketing knowledge. Organisational capabilities such as time-management, reliability as a team player and the ability to prioritise and focus in a busy environment is a must. The ideal candidate has the ability to promote IFAW’s work across a variety of channels, effectively driving advocacy efforts and supporting brand and fundraising goals.

The Communications Manager is responsible for implementing IFAW’s global as well as regional communication strategies by executing media and public relations initiatives to raise the brand profile and maximise IFAW’s influence in animal welfare and conservation. Mobilising public support for legislative reforms and fundraising appeals are a key priority of this role.

The candidate thrives on working in close collaboration with colleagues from across the globe and is expected to 1) deliver against global communications and brand marketing goals, 2) champion core communication strategies within the Oceania regional office, 3) elevate Oceania-led programmatic themes to a worldwide audience, and 4) support globally-prioritised IFAW activities and campaigns in a manner uniquely relevant to an Oceania audience. 

Role and Responsibilities

  • Deliver against the global communications strategy by developing and implementing work plans to meet IFAW Oceania’s program and organisational objectives. Maximise global interest in IFAW’s work in Australia to build brand and fundraising success.
  • Effectively develop public relations tactics to increase brand awareness and public engagement.
  • Strengthen and expand relationships with high-value media in order to secure maximum media coverage that highlights IFAW’s programmatic and advocacy work. Act as core liaison between Oceania media outlets and IFAW spokespeople, and assist in welcoming international media visits to IFAW project sites across the region.
  • Increase brand awareness by preparing integrated communications and marking campaigns. Identify low-bono and pro-bono (media) partnerships that help reach new audiences and expand our reach beyond current visibility levels.
  • Actively create content from our regional programs to promote IFAW Oceania’s programs to a global audience. This includes the professional management and organisation of content gathering trips, media visits, drafting of press releases, content production briefs, and copy writing for web and social channels, as well as preparing media interviews for regional staff.
  • Take an active approach in regular monitoring of media sources, online or otherwise, to ascertain emerging issues and trends that IFAW can leverage to benefit earned media, marketing and or fundraising objectives. Ensure timely production of media analysis and reporting to internal stakeholders.
  • Write, edit and/or oversee the production of communications collateral including advertising, media releases, local IFAW publications and online content in collaboration with the global brand team.
  • Work in close collaboration with global program communications leads to ensure positioning and messaging on all program-related communication is up-to-date and correct.
  • Be prepared to build strategy and promotion of all relevant IFAW regional and global subjects across AU-owned social media channels; proactively share regional content with the larger team for wider sharing around the world.
  • Aid Development colleagues with communication to our supporters in the form of Q&As, position statements and potential advertising placement.
  • Maintain a collaborative, timely and welcoming dialog with partner organisations whilst ensuring effective promotion of IFAW’s contribution to joint efforts. This includes the active participation in writing communication agreements, facilitating site visits, content gathering trips and events.
  • Plan, implement and monitor the Oceania communication budgets.
  • Manage additional communications staff, contractors and volunteers as required (photo, video, graphic design).

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Degree in communications, journalism or equivalent with 5+ years of experience in media and communications, including strategic communications planning (internal and external audiences), implementation and evaluation.
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of Oceania media in all its forms, including print, online, broadcast and social media. International media environment a plus.
  • An understanding of and commitment to animal welfare and/or conservation issues.
  • A willingness and ability for frequent domestic travel and at times international.
  • Confidence with in-field assignments, inclusive of last-minute travel, timely responses to internal and external stakeholders, and contribution to IFAW photo and video assets.
  • Experience in managing timely scheduling and budgeting requirements.
  • Experience managing earned media campaigns that have changed attitudes, behaviours or legislation a plus.
  • A “can do” attitude; Ability to lead, motivate and work as part of a team and thrive in a matrixed organisation.
  • A drive toward creativity and innovation; a constant proactive approach to the work.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to identify and prioritise urgent projects, as well as to plan strategically into future months/years.
  • Understanding of modern communication tools.

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department and our company.

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