POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Marketing and Communications Manager ORGANISATION DIVISION: Corporate Services CLASSIFICATION: GEN-G EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Fixed term (12 months) Part-time (0.6 FTE) WORK LOCATION: Carlton CURRENT OCCUPANT: New position RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Officer OTHER BENEFITS: Salary packaging Leave Loading DATE LAST REVIEW: October 2014 APPROVED BY: CEO 1 Updated October 2014
1. THE AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) strives to preserve sight and prevent blindness. The ACO provides public health primary and specialist eye and vision health care services, through both clinical and outreach settings, to disadvantaged communities; carries out research through the National Vision Research Institute, a division of ACO, on diseases and disorders that impact on vision; and provides clinical education and training to tertiary optometry students, continuing professional education to the optometry profession and supervision of research and higher degree students. The ACO is a not for profit, membership based organisation. 2. POSITION SUMMARY The primary role of the Marketing and Communications Manager will be to review existing processes and develop and implement consistent and effective marketing, communication and branding strategies for the ACO. The aim of these strategies is to ensure that we are delivering the right message to the right people at the right time so as to: (a) further raise awareness of the ACO s clinical eye care and health services and education programs with the relevant patient and healthcare communities, governments, the optometry profession and other key stakeholders (b) effectively communicate and engage with members, supporters, donors, philanthropic organisations and the wider community regarding the important work the ACO does (i) in providing services to the most disadvantaged, (ii) in carrying out research into vision and its disorders through the National Vision Research Institute (a division of ACO); and (iii)in providing specialist clinical education and training to eye care and vision health students and the optometric profession. The ACO will be celebrating its 75 th anniversary in 2015 and the incumbent will play an important role in contributing to the success of this celebration. The successful candidate will report to the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with the CEO and other key stakeholders both internally and externally. 3. KEY CHALLENGES This is a new position within the ACO and the incumbent will be a self-starter who is able to conceptualise, develop and implement formal organisation-wide communications and marketing strategies. This will include: Reviewing existing external communications processes across a wide range of channels, and inclusive of stakeholder engagement and corporate awareness and developing an integrated communications strategy for the ACO aligned to our corporate objectives and ensuring we deliver the right message to the right people at the right time. 2
Developing media, marketing and branding strategies that will promote the ACO, ensuring we are widely recognised and respected by our stakeholders, including governments and the wider community. Working with the CEO and key internal stakeholders to develop a donor engagement and management strategy to grow ACO s supporter base, identifying and engaging with potential donors and bequestors, to increase donations and bequests and contribute to the delivery of the ACO s mission in a financially sustainable manner. Reviewing and developing the ACO s website as an engaging and productive communication and marketing tool and a portal for interaction with external stakeholders, Council and Committee members, patients and the optometry community. Reviewing and developing the ACO intranet as a meaningful and efficient source of information to educate, inform and entertain staff. Promoting the ACO and NVRI (a division of ACO) co-branding, and promoting all ACO s services and activities, achievements, events and programs through online, electronic, social and print media. Collaborating with key internal stakeholders to develop consistent communication strategies across the ACO that will broaden program reach in the areas of clinical services, research, education and membership. Developing appropriate strategies to meet the communication and marketing needs of the organisation and independent divisions / events. Contributing to the ACO s newsletter in line with marketing and fundraising strategy, generating goodwill and donations from members and supporters. Drafting media releases, coordinating their distribution and developing a media engagement strategy. Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of marketing and communication activities against objectives. Other duties deemed appropriate by the CEO. At the end of the fixed term the incumbent will work with management to review the effectiveness of the position and, as appropriate will assist management in developing a business case for an ongoing marketing and communications function. 4. JOB COMPLEXITY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Level of Supervision 3
The Marketing and Communications Manager will report to the Chief Executive Officer. The incumbent will be given broad direction with a high level of autonomy, and will be expected at all times to be proactive. The position will have responsibility for a diverse range of activities. Problem Solving and Judgement The successful candidate will be expected to have a high level of problem solving skills and sound professional judgment. 5. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Qualifications Formal qualifications in Marketing/Communications or other relevant discipline. Knowledge, Experience and Skills A strong track record of positioning a NFP organisation to achieve tangible outcomes from marketing and communication activities in a competitive environment. Experience in the not for profit health care sector and/or research and education sectors is desirable. Outstanding influencing and negotiating abilities to engage others, invigorate and influence people and organisations to want to get on board with the ACO s vision and purpose. Ability to conceptualise, plan and see projects through to completion. Ability to work to tight deadlines, often juggling competing demands. Ability to work autonomously, but also as an effective ACO team member. Sound business/commercial acumen. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. A collaborative approach, ability to build positive relationships, demonstrated capacity for high level stakeholder management with an ability to liaise with a variety of people both within and externally to the ACO. Knowledge of government departments and processes and a network of (government/media/health sector) contacts will be highly regarded. 4
Excellent writing, editing, presentation and research skills. The ability to write and edit a range of documents for reporting and communication purposes. Experience drafting media releases and engaging effectively with the media. Experience in webpage development and knowledge of web design software. Highly self motivated individual who has built positive relationships through diplomacy and trust and continually contributes to maintaining effective communication. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH and SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES All ACO staff are responsible for observing and practising safe work practices and procedures, including: taking reasonable care for the safety of self and others ensuring that any hazardous conditions, near misses and injuries are reported immediately to a supervisor seeking guidance for all new or modified work procedures participating in meetings, training and other health and safety activities wearing personal protective equipment as provided using equipment in compliance with relevant guidelines, without wilful interference or misuse adopting work practices that support OHS programs. 7. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Internal Liaisons: External Liaisons: Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer Management Team All ACO staff External stakeholders Government departments Media Donors 8. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION Safety Screening 5
The ACO employs staff who come into contact with children, elderly and vulnerable people. We are committed to selecting people to provide a safe environment to our clients. Employment with the ACO is conditional on a satisfactory police check. Pre-employment Medical Check For specific positions where there are particular physical demands a preemployment medical check with your Medical Practitioner would be required. Privacy Notification We collect personal information for the purpose of processing and considering your application for employment and its use is consistent with requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2000. All unsuccessful applications are retained for six months then securely destroyed. The Australian College of Optometry is an equal opportunity employer. With clients from highly diverse cultural and social groups, we welcome applications from people with the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience including indigenous Australians. 6