THE YARRA RIVERKEEPER ASSOCIATION

At the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), we believe that the Yarra, Birrarung – our beautiful, spiritually significant, and resilient river – brings life, joy, and balance along its 242 kilometres journey from source to sea. The river we know and love is not just water, but land and people, community, and culture – together as one living and integrated natural entity from source to sea.

Founded in 2005, the Yarra Riverkeeper Association is the community voice of the Yarra, Birrarung. We are a for-purpose (not-for-profit), apolitical, grass-roots organisation that works with communities, traditional owners, governments (local, State, and Federal), statutory authorities, and businesses to advocate for the river's health.

As Melbourne's population grows and the climate crisis worsens, the Yarra/Birrarung comes under increasing environmental pressure, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. Riverkeepers are vital to keeping the Yarra, Birrarung healthy.

Our vision is a healthy, protected and loved river. Every day we work to make this possible through advocacy, education, community engagement and on-the-ground litter and regeneration programs.

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a worldwide network of more than 350 inspiring, determined organisations in 49 countries dedicated to protecting the world's waterways. Founded in 1999, it brings together all Waterkeeper organisations to strengthen and grow a global movement for healthy and clean water to be enjoyed by all.

POSITION PURPOSE

This position will help the Yarra Riverkeeper Association increase engagement of our projects activities and educate the public through newsletters/ social media engagement. One of the main projects will be the Volunteer Newsletter, which is designed to encourage volunteer engagement through celebration and communicate YRKA events, achievements, and challenges.

Our social media volunteer will help engage the community and volunteers on YRKA events, achievements, celebrations, and data.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Taking photos of the Yarra River and its tributaries to upload to newsletters and social media
• Developing email content and using MailChimp to communicate with our subscribers and members

• Assisting with the creation of social media posts
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Identify and interact with relevant stakeholder social media accounts
• Help grow social media channels - increase followers and engagement

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Interest in environmental issues
• Knowledge of sustainability and water policy preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to the vision and mission of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association
• Attention to detail and diligence
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team
• Understanding of how to use Canva, Microsoft Office suite
• Previous experience using Mailchimp and WildApricot will be favourable

TIME COMMITMENT

4 hours per week.

6-12 months