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, 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. 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. Since the pandemic grounded aviation, we are campaigning to rebuild the industry with 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 reform over the line to set fairer, safer standards in transport and the gig economy.

We are seeking a creative and strategic mind to drive forward our national communications strategy in our largest state branch. Please apply if you have strong communication and design skills, experience dealing with media, are a self-starter, and enjoy working with other teams to achieve collective goals.

Role responsibilities:

Member Communications and Digital Campaigning

• Create integrated online and offline member communications including flyers
• Create member-driven content including through attendance at worksites, training and events to talk to members, collect stories, take photos and collect video footage
• Develop, implement and report on a branch digital communication strategy to grow and engage with relevant audiences
• Manage social media, website, CRM and CMS tools
• Prepare analytics reports and stay on top of digital trends

Media

• Generate proactive media opportunities to promote the TWU and branch leadership, share member stories, expose worker abuses and contribute to national campaigns
• Monitor the media and respond to local media queries and relevant stories
• Write press releases and columns and arrange press conferences and media events
• Identify member spokespeople and brief all spokespeople including leadership
• Build relationships with relevant journalists

TWU Brand and Other

• Ensure all communications comply with brand guidelines and reflect TWU values
• Assist with TWU merchandise and branded materials
• Build relationships with other teams to provide communications assistance and ideas
• Support database management and assist with any other tasks as required

The successful applicant will ideally have:

• Relevant qualification and/or experience in strategic communications, journalism, campaigning or similar
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to write compelling and concise content, articles, opeds and other forms of communication
• An eye for design and experience using Canva or Adobe
• A good understanding of the Australian media landscape
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience building and managing relationships
• Creativity and attention to detail
• Experience with CRM and CMS systems desirable
• Photography and videography skills desirable
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• An understanding and commitment to human rights and labor values