Head of Communications & Marketing

Transcription

1 Position description Head of Communications & Marketing Position title: Head of Communications & Marketing Division/Department: Communications & Marketing Position reference: JO Remuneration range: TBC Position reports to: Deputy Director/Strategy and Operations Positions reporting to this one: 9 Classification: TBA Work location: Parkville Employment type: Contract - Full time Further information: Closing date: 20 November 2016 Position overview Continually increasing the awareness of the Walter and Eliza Hall Medical Research Institute, positioning the institute as the premier medical research organisation in Australia with a view to increasing government funding, fundraising revenue, recruiting the best staff and students and nurturing relationships with governments and other granting bodies. Leading a highly performing communication, events, graphics, catering and reception team. Liaise with the leadership of the medical research sector to develop campaigns that raise government and public awareness of the challenges facing medical research institutes. Organisational environment The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research The institute, established in 1915, currently houses 15 research divisions, containing around 85 laboratories and around 1,000 staff and students, with an annual budget of approximately $100 million (AUD). The institute s research focuses on cancer (breast, cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer), infectious disease (malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis) and chronic inflammatory and immune diseases (coeliac disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and transplantation) and continues a strong tradition of collaboration and interdisciplinary programs. The institute has a strong national and international reputation for performing highly influential research and for translation that leads to long term improvements in disease, diagnosis and treatment. The institute s main laboratories are located within the Parkville precinct, a vibrant hub for life science research, education and healthcare provision. In addition, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Biotechnology Centre is located 30 minutes from Parkville at La Trobe University s R&D Park in Bundoora. The Biotechnology Centre features facilities for high-throughput chemical screening, medicinal chemistry, antibody production and malaria containment. The centre also functions as an incubator for the institute s biotechnology companies. Organisational objectives Discovery and translation To make discoveries that shape contemporary scientific thinking, increase understanding and improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, immune disorders and infectious diseases. Education and training Page 1 of 5 PD-RO-SmythLabOct16

2 To educate and train world class scientists and to attract, develop and retain the best and brightest workforce. Organizational culture To provide a vibrant and inspiring organizational culture that encourages, promotes and rewards excellence, collaboration, innovation, creativity and respect. Engagement To engage with our stakeholders to improve outcomes, building support and secure resources for medical research. Sustainability To build an infrastructure, professional services and funding that sustains our research and maximizes the time our scientists can spend making discoveries. Organisational values Pursuit of excellence Integrity and mutual respect Collaboration and teamwork Creativity Contribution to society Accountability Key responsibilities Strategy and Strategic Advice Develop, implement and evaluate the strategic direction, operational plans and budgets of the Communications function in line with the institute s goals. The key strategies include marketing, communications and government relations. Develop and implement communications key performance indicators and provide quarterly management reports. Provide high-level strategic advice to the Director, Deputy Director/Strategy and Operations and Board on media, events and communications matters Provide high-level strategic advice to the leadership of Australia s medical research institutes and advocacy organisations on the development of communications campaigns Occasionally support the development of sector-wide communications campaigns, where required Provide guidance to senior management on communications activities, risk management and possible external implications of institute policies, activities and changes. Leadership Act as a role model and provide leadership, management and development of the Communications, Events, WEHI TV and Reception teams. Ensure that the Communications, Events, WEHI.TV and Reception teams are positioned to deliver a pro-active service, and lead the team to build on and improve service delivery. Develop a Team Brand to maximise employee attraction and retention. With the Deputy Director/Strategy and Operations team create an environment of best practice and employer of choice. Management of staff in a manner that motivates and empowers each to realise their potential and deliver maximally to the institute. Lead a centralised professional, client-focused team who are responsible for delivering quality services, sound advice and leading edge initiatives and tools to Divisional Heads, Laboratory Heads, managers and their employees which support the vision and goals of the institute whilst ensuring that all regulatory obligations are met. Page 2 of 5

3 Oversee the development of plans, policies and actions to successfully implement the communication strategy (including online communications, social media and media relations,) government relations strategy, successful events, efficient and effective catering services and reception services. Oversee the development and refining of policies and procedures for communication, marketing, WEHI.TV, catering and events. Marketing and Events Identify opportunities for engaging staff, public, government and alumni and oversee the development of appropriate related events and animations Oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of institute publications (internal and external), brochures and other promotional materials Oversee the management of major marketing projects (for example, annual report redesign) Media Relations Oversee the preparation of media releases, media responses, speeches, and other communications materials Ensure senior staff are trained and develop their media skills, including crisis media training Oversee the management of critical and strategic media interactions Oversee the monitoring, quantification and analysis of media coverage of, and response to, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute research, issues, activities and events. Online communications Oversee the management of major online communications projects (for example, website redevelopment) Ensure that the communications team liaise with nominated divisional, communications and ITS staff to ensure that all copy, images and graphics are current and reflect accurately the activities of the scientific divisions in particular and the institute in general Oversee the management of the development and implementation of up-to-date and engaging the website and e- newsletter content. Oversee the development of online content that translates complex scientific language into readily comprehensible lay language. Relationship building Liaise with the leadership of medical research institutes and advocacy organisations to develop campaigns that raise awareness of the challenges facing the sector Increase the media contact with the institute by developing positive relationships with science and technology journalists including maintaining after hours access for the media Support institute scientific and professional services staff in developing communications and marketing opportunities and outcomes Liaise with external stakeholders including granting bodies (NHMRC, NBCF, ACRF etc), government representatives, subject specific stakeholders to ensure they are appropriately aware of, and involved in, institute activities Page 3 of 5

4 Key selection criteria Personal qualities Leadership - clearly and convincingly articulate a vision; create a sense of trust and value; act as a role model to inspire and motivate others, and seek ways to improve their own contribution and increase the level of responsibility of themselves and others. Cognitive skills - be perceptive, intelligent, and quick to understand more conceptually demanding ideas; be able to reason through problems, and demonstrate their ability to introduce improved and innovative ways of doing things. Persuasion/negotiation win concessions without damaging relationships; convince others of your point of view; listen to and assimilate information from others to identify their needs; identify and assess a range of possible options; be direct and clear as well as diplomatic and collaborative; present information in a manner appropriate to purpose and audience. Interpersonal skills - highly effective interpersonal and communication skills with an open, direct and diplomatic approach, and the ability to create and foster collaborative and productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external organisations. Knowledge and skills Political/social awareness understand and use the power relationships that impact on the role and understand the limitations and nature of the environment, including an understanding of interest groups and informal structures. Strategic thinking - be able to identify or develop overall goals and see the linking strategies and actions required to achieve these goals Commercial focus continually strive to deliver the best service/products for the resources available; and continually seek more efficient ways of operating. Specialist Skills Extensive journalism, media and communications experience. Understanding of Australia s medical research sector, the funding environment in which medical research institutes operate and the processes and relationships that exist between government, the public sector, advocacy groups and the general public. A tertiary qualification in journalism/communications or a related discipline or equivalent experience. Knowledge of contemporary media and communications mediums and an ability to apply such knowledge to complex issues and a wide audience. Highly developed network of media and communications professionals, particularly in health science and education media Occupational Health and Safety Comply with institute Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Take reasonable care of own safety and the safety of others around. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety devices appropriately. Report all hazards, incidents and injuries. Attend training programs as documented in individual training needs matrices. Page 4 of 5

5 How and where to apply To register your interest, please your CV and a short cover letter to applymel@shk.com.au quoting JO or for more information, please contact Penny Wilson at SHK on prior to 18 November. Direct and third party applications will be forwarded to SHK. Diversity The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The institute encourages and welcomes interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for roles within the institute. Privacy notification The collection and handling of declarations and personal information relevant to your employment will be consistent with the requirements of the Privacy Act Page 5 of 5