Position Description Manager - Engagement and Communications Branch/Program Award Reports to Supervisory responsibilities Duration Probationary period Hours Based at Strategy & Engagement Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) Level 7 Executive Manager Strategy & Engagement Engagement and Communications staff Fixed term for 12 months Six months from date of appointment 38 hrs per week Lismore, preferable travel across the footprint may be required Position description created May 2018 Approved by Executive Manager People & Quality Review date April 2019 About Social Futures Social Futures works to achieve social justice for regional Australians by supporting individuals, families and communities to take control and live well. We work to create positive change in people s lives and connected, resilient communities. We envisage inclusive communities that support social and economic participation, in which everyone reaches their potential and has access to affordable housing. Our programs and services provide support on housing and homelessness, youth and family services, inclusion and participation for people living with disability and the development of the community sector. Including our work with partners, Social Futures currently serves more than 80% of regional New South Wales. We welcome applicants from all walks of life to our diverse and inclusive workplace. Social Futures is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited workplace and is committed to ensuring we have a safe and respectful workplace for all. We acknowledge that all people can be victims of violence and that all violence is unacceptable. The White Ribbon Committee is focused on addressing men s violence towards women because of the underlying power inequality and sexism that sustains gender-based violence and the disproportionately high prevalence of this type of violence in the community. Purpose of the Position The Engagement and Communications Manager will lead a small team to develop Social Futures organisational capacity in engagement and communications. This position is integral to the organisation s work in advocating for social justice and is a key organisational resource that will facilitate cohesion of the Social Futures brand in conjunction with our diverse range of programs and services. The role will build connections in the communities we work, raising awareness of our work to our staff, funders, participants and communities. Key functions of the team include: Advise senior managers on engagement and communications messaging and reputation management Develop and manage the organisation s brand, content creation and approvals Manage internal and external communications processes, messages and channels Provide communications and marketing services and advice to all the organisation s programs and functions Map and catalyse partnerships, networks and relationships Give our participants a voice (e.g. consumer reference groups) Develop and implement a consistent engagement framework for the organisation
Mandatory Requirements Current National Police Check Current NSW Working with Children Check Current NSW Drivers Licence Essential Selection Criteria Essential Selection Criteria 1. Degree qualifications in Marketing, Communications or Business or significant experience in a similar role in medium and large organisations 2. Highly developed communication skills and ability to engage with diverse communities of interest 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Demonstrated experience in effectively supervising a multidisciplinary team in a high-volume quality support and service environment A clear understanding of the social and political context within which community services operate and experience of working with local or regional media on editorial and paid, press, radio, TV and digital campaigns and engaging with diverse communities. Demonstrated experience in development and implementation of community and stakeholder engagement strategy, process design, delivery and evaluation Ability to analyse and respond to complex issues in a fast paced and sometimes politicised environment Demonstrated understanding and application of community, business and economic development principles in a complex strategic environment Demonstrated ability to use information technology tools including project management software, customer relationship management software, and social media Desirable Selection Criteria 9. Experience with online project management and collaboration tools and systems such as SharePoint Key Responsibilities and Duties Key Responsibilities Focus Areas Manage Social Futures Engagement and Communications team, projects and activities Plan and implement an annual engagement and communication strategy that supports the organisation s strategic plan Develop and implement annual work plans for all team members in consultation with internal stakeholders including senior managers Monitor progress against work plan(s) and take appropriate action to ensure project outcomes are achieved within required timeframes and allocated budgets Develop and implement systems to collect meaningful activity data on all engagement and communications outcomes and effectively describe, document, evaluate and report on outcomes to senior management via monthly Board reporting Ensure cohesion across teams and projects to maximise impact of communications and engagement activities including: internal, stakeholder and public events, media liaison, digital and social media and printed collateral Develop and distribute the annual report Page 2 of 6 Social Futures Position Description 2017
Key Responsibilities Focus Areas Build capacity and support organisational community engagement and program promotion activities Develop and implement systems to ensure content and messaging across all channels is accurate, timely and supportive of the organisation s policies and strategic goals Review and revise brand and design architecture and guidelines across all channels and formats annually, in consultation with the team and other staff Ensure adherence to brand guidelines in all internal and external content, through clear and regular approval processes and systems Manage specific communications and/or engagement projects to support Social Futures strategic goals Engage and supervise contractors and consultants to carry out activities where required Provide technical expertise and coordination to support staff in their community engagement and program promotion activities Leverage opportunities across the organisation to enhance Social Futures brand and reputation Assist staff and managers to develop and implement tactical marketing plans to promote services, projects, activities and achievements to key audiences to help achieve their contractual requirements and KPIs Successfully integrate communications and engagement activities into Social Futures program design, delivery and evaluation Lead, coach, mentor and advise staff to deliver key communication messages and support with appropriate resources or tools Establish and manage mechanisms for program participants (service users, clients) to engage in the development of programs and services, e.g. through consultation, feedback opportunities or focus groups Facilitate effective team leadership and participation Provide strong, accountable leadership, clearly articulating organisational ethics, values and standards Undertake human resource planning and development using processes such as: o Performance management (incorporating results based outcomes) o Regular supervision (including staff work planning) o Staff appraisals o Crisis debriefing support for staff as required o Well-being strategies o Team building and change management o Supporting staff to undertake relevant training and development opportunities including mandatory training Recruit and induct staff to new or vacant positions in accordance with policies and procedures Ensure staff are aware of and comply with all policies, procedures and management directives Ensure compliance with WHS, Child Protection, EEO, Ethical Work Practice and other legal requirements. Maintain internal and external relationships and contribute positively to the organisation s culture Deal courteously and respectfully with participants, representatives from other organisations and members of the public Work proactively to resolve any complaints, concerns or conflict in a positive manner. Work in partnership with all members of Social Futures staff to provide strong, accountable leadership, clearly articulating ethics, values and standards of Social Futures Promote and model Social Futures values, code of conduct and professional standards to all staff, participants, partners and external stakeholders. Social Futures Position Description 2017 Page 3 of 6
Key Responsibilities Focus Areas Adhere to Social Futures policies and procedures and Management directives. Work actively and collaboratively to assist all members of the Social Futures Leadership Team to achieve their work objectives Assist with the supervision of any students, trainees or volunteers who are involved in activities that are support the projects and/or the objectives of Social Futures Project work and participation in organisational working groups as required Participate in Strategy and Engagement branch initiatives Competencies, Skills and Attributes Technical 1. Tertiary qualifications and/or significant management experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications Proven tactical planning, project management and evaluation skills in a corporate (organisationwide) and internal communications environment, ideally in the community services 2. sector. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Strategic ability to develop and project manage the development of messages, campaigns and collateral across a wide range of communication channels, different stakeholders and audiences including funders, community members, health and community service professionals and program participants. Experience of working with local and/or regional media to develop promotional and news campaigns to communicate specific and general messages. Experience of delivering communications and engagement programs and/or activities within a multilocation organisation. Experience of managing approvals systems to ensure compliance with brand requirements, while retaining an objective view of the creative work. Experience of working with content management systems, websites and social media, including paid social media campaigns. Experience and Knowledge 8. Demonstrated experience in supervising a multidisciplinary team including creatives and content developers 9. Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary issues in relation to community or human services sector 10. Experience of brand and reputation management, media liaison, and producing communications and print collateral 11. Understanding of strategies to increase media exposure and build reputation 12. Project management: planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting experience 13. Ability to adjust tone, style and language of messages to appropriately suit audience(s) 14. Proficient in using a range of media tools and technology 15. Ability to lead and motivate a team and supporting professional and career development Page 4 of 6 Social Futures Position Description 2017
Attributes and Values 16. Enthusiastic, dynamic, self-motivated, proactive and responsive 17. Highly professional and articulate with excellent interpersonal skills 18. High level attention to detail, committed to quality outcomes 19. Capacity to manage multiple priorities and projects, and meet deadlines 20. Engages in reflective practice with a view to improve performance 21. Demonstrates behaviours that treat others with respect, care and compassion 22. Promotes cohesive team work and collaborative work environments 23. Solution-focused approach to problems and ability to think outside the box 24. Proven history of following up commitments with action, ability to shift priorities, and work to deadlines. 25. Capacity to work in alignment with organisational values. 26. Positive, contemporary attitude towards diversity, including Aboriginal, CALD and LGBTIQ communities and people living with disability. Compliance 27. Ability to implement a system to ensure adherence to brand guidelines, including those of funding bodies where applicable. 28. Understands and complies with company Code of Conduct, policies and procedures. 29. Willingness and desire to comply with workplace health and safety policy and procedure to ensure safety of self and others. 30. Follows guidelines, policies and procedures when committing financial resources or processing financial transactions. 31. Maintains appropriate boundaries in all interactions with children, young people, families and staff according to Social Futures policies and procedures. 32. Understanding of legislation, regulations and best practice standards relevant to sector and service delivery requirements. Inherent Requirements of the Work Activities/Environment The following table identifies the physical and psychological work environment characteristics that are inherent requirements of the role. Where possible we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their roles. Element Key Activity Frequency Work Environment Manage demanding and changing workloads and competing priorities. Work in a team environment. Work in different geographic locations. Be exposed to all outdoor weather conditions. Work office hours with the possibility of extended hours. Occasional Rare Occasional Social Futures Position Description 2017 Page 5 of 6
Element Key Activity Frequency Work in an open plan office. Work in buildings which may have multiple stories. Reasonably high levels of mobile phone use. Sit at a computer or in meetings for extended periods. Liaise with our staff. Liaise with government, non-government, businesses, and other community organisations. People Contact Liaise with participants/customers. Undertake intensive administrative tasks, which include computer work, report writing, participating in meetings and concentrating for long periods of time. Use technology including photocopier, telephones including mobiles, fax, overhead projectors, televisions, videos and electronic Administrative whiteboards. Tasks Drive vehicles possibly over long distances and in all traffic and Occasional weather conditions. Transport Use public transport including trains, buses, trams and taxis. Rare Page 6 of 6 Social Futures Position Description 2017