COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION April 2014 Location: Hours of Work: Responsible to: National Office, Auckland Part time 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week) Manager Communications and Marketing ORGANISATION OVERVIEW The NZAF has a vision of a world without AIDS and aims to achieve this by preventing the transmission of HIV and supporting people affected by HIV and AIDS. Every aspect of each task undertaken by the NZAF is guided by the vision and the mission and this is manifested in our work. The NZAF National Office is in Auckland, and there are regional centres in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. The NZAF employs over 40 staff and has well over 100 regular volunteers. There are also NZAFtrained professional contractors providing HIV and syphilis rapid testing and counselling in many other regions across Aotearoa New Zealand. The NZAF is structured into two main groups: NZAF Health Services, and HIV Prevention and International Development. There is a small Scientific, Analysis and Information Unit, and national Communication, Fundraising, Policy and Finance and Administration staff. The NZAF also contributes to research, strategic scientific analysis and policy leadership. NZAF Health Services provide free HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C rapid testing; counselling, psychotherapy and support for people living with HIV, their whānau and families, with a focus on safe sexual practice and maximising health and wellbeing. The HIV Prevention group s work targets the communities most at risk of HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand; gay and bisexual men and New Zealand-based African communities. Outside of New Zealand, the NZAF manages an international development programme working with partners in the Pacific committed to the rights and health of Pacific men who have sex with men and transgender people. Many of our services are targeted to gay and bisexual men as the group most affected by HIV in this country. This requires an acceptance of sexual and gender diversity, sensitivity to the special health needs of men who have sex with men and the creation of a working environment supportive of gay and bisexual men and takatāpui tane. The NZAF HIV Prevention Plan includes a clear focus on building a condom culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. The best scientific evidence available shows that to reduce HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand, rates of

2 condom use among gay and bisexual men need to increase even higher than they are at present. Get it On! is the social marketing programme developed to work with gay and bisexual men and is supported by the NZAF. The NZAF is a non-governmental organisation and has been in existence since The legal structure is a Charitable Trust with a Board of Trustees and employees are members of the Trust but do not have the right to vote at its Annual General Meeting or on any other matter referred to the membership. JOB ENVIRONMENT Communications Officer This is a part-time position located at the NZAF national office, Hargreaves St, St Mary s Bay, Auckland. This office is the headquarters for all the programmes provided by the NZ AIDS Foundation (NZAF) nationally, including Auckland. Regional Offices are maintained in Wellington and Christchurch. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES To ensure that and the NZAF s social media profiles and pages are updated daily and kept relevant to users To act as a key point of contact for communications with the NZAF s members To support other communications staff with the provision of communications advice, support and fundraising across the NZAF. FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Responsible To Internal Relationships INTERNAL Manager Communications and Marketing The Communications Officer reports to the Manager Communications and Marketing who will provide day-to-day operational, strategic guidance and supervision and ongoing professional support. HIV Prevention Team Fundraiser Research, Analysis and Information Group NZAF Health Services Executive Director GM Operations National Administration and Finance Team NZAF Health Services Team NZAF Members EXTERNAL Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers The Communications Officer will ensure NZAF manages relationships with printers, designers and technology professionals positively, within approved processes and practices.

3 KEY TASKS KEY TASKS EXPECTED RESULTS Online In collaboration with the Senior Communications Officer, lead on the implementation of NZAF s online strategy. This will include: Make content changes to NZAF website, ensuring content is up-to-date and relevant at all times. Identify opportunities to develop new content that will increase online engagement. Leading the relationship with SEO contractor and implementing recommendations where feasible to enhance NZAF online presence and experience Moderate user generated content including FAQ Identify problems with site functionality and resolve or suggest resolutions to issues and work with contractors to obtain satisfactory resolution Track performance of online goals on a monthly basis and make changes to optimise performance NZAF online engagement is informed by the online strategy Online creative effectively reaches target audiences NZAF online users report a positive experience Effective relationships with web developers are maintained NZAF s performance online is measured monthly, and shows Increasing organic traffic (SEO) Increased conversion rates (video views, questions asked, time on site, tests booked) Social Media In collaboration with the Senior Communications Officer, lead on the implementation of NZAF s social media strategy. This will include: Acquiring new users (followers) from NZAF s key audiences Develop content including images, videos, articles and competitions, ensuring high levels of engagement among key audiences Track performance on a monthly basis and make changes to optimise performance Traditional Media The Communications Officer may from time to time be called on to assist with the delivery of print and TV media. This may include: Assisting with writing media releases Assisting with writing content for press kits Liaising with reporters at events, such as the LYC Big Gay Out. NZAF social media engagement is informed by the LYC social media strategy NZAF social media presence is effectively managed and maintained, including new initiatives taken to improve user engagement NZAF s performance on social media is measured monthly, and shows number of followers and user engagement is high across all social media channels and continues to grow continues to grow Media issues are monitored and responded to in a timely way High quality, well written and accurate media releases are developed and delivered in a timely way Media releases are consistent with the relevant NZAF key messages and principles of the

4 NZAF Strategic Plan Media releases are well received and achieve the targeted number of publications General Communications The Communications Officer will work in collaboration with the Senior Communications Officer to provide communications assistance to all NZAF staff which supports the delivery of all NZAF programmes and contracted services. Membership Communications Work with the Senior Communications Officer to manage the NZAF membership programme, ensuring regular communications, timely renewal of memberships, active promotion of membership and effective programme administration. Written material is proofed and/or edited effectively Positive relationships are maintained with contractors (i.e. printers) as required Digital assets are effectively stored All NZAF communications are effectively stored according to the NZAF Knowledge Management Strategy All new members receive a welcome pack within three weeks of joining NZAF All members are reminded and encouraged to renew membership close to expiry Membership database is maintained and accurate High quality e-newsletters are developed Members receive a minimum of quarterly e-newsletters Biculturalism To contribute to NZAF s progress towards cultural competency and commitment to biculturalism by ensuring key events and relationship management approach ensures full and active participation and effective relationships with Takatāpui Tāne and their whānau Any other reasonable task which is consistent with the grade and overall objectives of the position. The NZAF s website(s) and member communications have bicultural components and are developed with consultation and consideration of the needs and expectations of the target communities. Open to new initiatives Responds constructively and leads with new proposals In consultation with the line manager

5 SUPPORT Supervision The line manager is responsible for ensuring that the Communications Officer understands their role and tasks, and is supported in carrying them out. Supervision meetings will occur fortnightly. Performance Appraisal Performance appraisal according to a model that includes self, peer, and manager assessment will be carried out annually. Professional Development The value and advantage of education and staff development for both the worker and the NZAF is recognised. Adequate training, information and assistance will be provided to ensure that the Communications Officer is able to meet the responsibilities of the position. Administrative Assistance Some clerical and administrative assistance will be provided, but the post holder is expected to be able to self support when necessary. Conditions of Employment Terms and conditions of employment are set out in the Letter of Appointment and Individual Employment Agreement or Collective Employment Agreement. The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) has an expectation that all staff will: Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of the NZAF, including a commitment to: meaningful relationships with tangata whenua; diversity of sexual and gender identity; diversity of cultures; the communities most at risk of HIV; the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV; and the application of evidence-based knowledge Agree and work with the NZAF's stated vision, mission and goals (as stated in the NZAF Strategic Plan), and to abide by the NZAF operational policies and procedures. Incorporate the principles of continuous quality improvement into all activities. Comply with all health and safety procedures to ensure their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace and actively participate in maintaining a safe working environment at the NZAF.

6 COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER PERSON SPECIFICATION These specifications strongly guide the short listing process for appointment to this position. QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES BICULTURALISM PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE Technical training and/or a tertiary level qualification related to communications and technology or significant equivalent work experience. a) Knowledge and experience of web-technology and communications in the not-for-profit sector b) Significant experience in web management, database, design and communications work c) Ability to relate to, work and communicate effectively within gay and bisexual communities d) Excellent writing, proofing and editing skills e) Extensive understanding of, and experience using technology as a way of communicating with mass audiences f) Excellent oral and written skills in English g) Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as work effectively independently - self motivated h) Ability to work flexible hours i) Understanding and ability to manage personal/professional boundaries j) Ability to prioritise work effectively, manage changing and conflicting demands k) Professional approach to sexuality and sexual issues l) Knowledge and awareness of people from a wide variety of cultural and social backgrounds including an understanding of relationship development and management The NZAF is committed to being a bicultural organisation. Prospective employees who already have some knowledge of Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori are preferred, and it is essential that all employees demonstrate willingness to learning in these areas. Knowledge of issues relating to HIV and AIDS, and the communities most at risk.