• TWU Communications Assistant/Officer (dependent on experience)

The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU) is one of Australia’s leading campaigning trade unions, holding some of the biggest companies in the world to account over their treatment of workers, such as Qantas, Amazon, Uber, Deliveroo, and Aldi.

The TWU has led the charge in highlighting and tackling exploitation in the gig economy, pressuring companies and the government to address chronic underpayments and deadly pressures on food delivery riders and rideshare drivers. We are at a critical point with lifesaving transport reform before Federal Parliament, following a decades long campaign by TWU members. Since it was founded, the TWU has represented the interests of truck drivers and logistics workers, exposing the financial pressures by major retailers, manufacturers and oil companies on road transport - Australia’s deadliest industry.

In aviation, we represent members above and below the wing, from pilots and cabin crew to ground crew, cabin cleaners and baggage handlers. The TWU recently achieved an historic win in the High Court against Qantas for illegally sacking and outsourcing 1700 workers. During the COVID shutdown of aviation, the TWU was a powerful voice for aviation workers, serving as an integral player during the sale of Virgin Australia, and challenging Qantas over safety breaches and exploiting loopholes to destroy good, secure jobs.

The communications team plays a central role in these campaigns. We work to expose injustices against workers publicly and deploy a proactive strategy to achieve member-led action to lift standards in transport. It's an exciting time to join our team as we fight to get world-first legislation over the line, enact the new worker powers, and rebuild the aviation industry from the ground up.

We are seeking someone with strong communication and design skills and creative ideas to identify opportunities for digital engagement, member activation and campaign tools that will drive our national strategy to give transport workers a powerful voice.

Role responsibilities:

Digital Communications and social media

• Develop, implement and report on a digital communication strategy to expand our online reach, grow our audiences and increase engagement
• Manage a proactive social media schedule to maximise reach and engagement across Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok
• Moderate comments and respond to messages
• Utilise analytics tools and keep on top of trends/algorithm changes
• Maintain and regularly update the TWU website
• Advise, support and coordinate with branch comms teams and other unions

Member communications

• Work with campaigns, organising and legal colleagues to create timely and engaging member communications materials including flyers, emails, videos
• Design, write and edit all member comms to a high standard
• Provide template materials, journal articles and support to state comms teams
• Create member-driven content through attendance at site visits, meetings, training and events to meet members, take photos and videos
• Occasional work with external agencies to develop professional content

Other

• Ensure all communications reflect and uphold TWU values and adhere to brand guidelines
• Support with events like National Council and protest actions
• Assist with media monitoring and daily ‘Top Stories’ email when needed
• Assist with TWU merchandise and branded materials
• Assist with database management and any other tasks as required

The successful applicant will ideally have:

• Experience in social media, digital comms or marketing
• Strong design skills, experience using Canva
• Strong communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write for different audiences
• Creativity and attention to detail
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proactive & enthusiastic in approach to work
• A strong commitment to labour values and human rights

Other desired skills:

• Experience developing communications strategies
• Qualifications in communications, campaigns or similar field
• Good IT skills, experience with Adobe, CRM and CMS systems
• A demonstrated understanding of union organising and the Australian political landscape

The TWU is committed to finding a good fit for the team and willing to train the right person. If you don’t feel that you have all of the skills listed above but think you could bring something to this role, please apply.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Pippa Hatton, Tel: 02 8114 6500.