Job description
- EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Part time 30.4 hours per week – 4 days; Hybrid work arrangement with 50% of days on site (Wednesday mandatory); Fixed term 12 month contract
- AWARD DETAILS: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS)
- SALARY: Award Level 6.1 plus superannuation, generous salary packaging available
- REPORTS TO: Director of Engagement
- LIAISES WITH: EDV managers and staff, external stakeholders, media
ABOUT US
Eating disorders are complex and debilitating mental illnesses that affect up to 1 in 20 people. Like any mental illness, they are not the fault of the individual and can affect anyone no matter their age, gender or background. While serious, eating disorders are treatable. With the right support, full recovery is possible for everyone.
Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) is the trusted guide for Victorians affected by eating disorders. We help people get the support they need to inspire hope and ensure the earliest possible recovery.
Eating Disorders Victoria is an incorporated association and registered charity with the Australian Tax Office and the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC).
How we work
We are a committed, engaged and progressive community health service who value innovation. We are known for developing and delivering eating disorder services that can’t be found anywhere else in Australia, or even the world. We are a strong voice for people affected by eating disorders and actively advocate for our eating disorder affected community at state and national level.
We pride ourselves on being a vibrant place to work, where creativity, collaboration and lived experience are highly valued and supported.
Our work is guided by our values of Courage, Lived Experience, Authenticity, and Optimism.
Where we are going
We are moving through an exciting time of reform in Victoria’s Mental Health System, and have every intention of ensuring eating disorders are fully supported in this new system. We want eating disorders to be considered core business when it comes to mental health, so that more Victorians are identified, diagnosed and put on the path to recovery, sooner.
We are focused on delivering high quality, data-driven community services that demonstrate the impact of our work, while underscoring the growing community demand for specialised eating disorder services. Underpinning this is an evolving culture of strong clinical governance, which supports the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and our service users.
We consider the lived experience workforce to be pivotal to the future of eating disorder treatment and are positioned to be leaders in this emerging field.
What we can offer you
- A genuinely nice place to work – we know that our people are our best asset
- Support and encouragement to grow your skill set in a hands-on environment
- Ability to take ownership of your role
- Opportunities to engage in a fun social calendar of events
- Ability to take scheduled mental health days to focus on your personal wellness
- Regular supervision provided for all staff
ROLE STATEMENT
Reporting to the Director of Engagement, this role will develop communication and advocacy initiatives ensuring consistent messaging that upholds EDV’s mission and values.
Leading a small team you are responsible for:
- Increasing EDV’s brand awareness and community reach, with a particular focus on underserved communities to facilitate access to EDV’s services and support.
- Creating and delivering a communication strategy that amplifies our range of programs and initiatives.
- Supporting the advocacy and positioning of EDV across the broader mental health and government sectors.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker who is also comfortable being hands on to get the job done. If you are passionate about working as part of a dedicated team to make a meaningful impact in the community and contribute to positive change, we would love to hear from you.
EDV has a commitment to supporting the Lived Experience Workforce through the EDV Wellbeing Framework. Candidates who have lived experience of an eating disorder or who have lived experience of caring for a person with an eating disorder must align with the definitions as detailed in the attached Position Description.
KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications and Brand Awareness:
Work with the Director of Engagement to increase EDV’s visibility and profile as the primary source of support, information, community education, and advocacy for eating disorders in Victoria by:
- Developing, implementing, and reviewing a marketing and communications strategy to support EDV’s strategic plan.
- Building the EDV brand and awareness of program offerings across the wider community, including to those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
- Providing integrated communications and marketing support to all functions of the organisation.
- Developing effective written and graphic materials to deliver key messages and information, about eating disorders and EDV.
- Developing and reviewing collateral across various channels, including web, social media, traditional media, print, branded items, and partner channels
- Managing the content of the EDV website, including SEO and SEM.
- Coordinating and producing the Annual Report.
- Responding promptly to press and media inquiries, pitching media stories where appropriate, and developing media statements and briefing notes in response to issues raised.
Advocacy:
Work with the Director of Engagement to enhance EDV’s advocacy and improve outcomes for Victorians impacted by eating disorders by:
- Implementing and reviewing our advocacy strategy.
- Exercising effective representation, strategic communication, and advocacy on behalf of the diverse lived experience of eating disorders in Victoria.
- Optimising opportunities to influence current and future public policy and program delivery, in relation to mental health and eating disorders.
- Engaging with policy and funding bodies and other strategic partners.
- Coordinating advocacy events, such as EDV’s Feed the Soul campaign.
Income Diversity:
Support the development of diverse income streams by:
- Working closely with the Director of Engagement to execute communications aspects of fundraising and income initiatives.
- Overseeing the development of collateral to support income generation, including pitch decks and marketing materials.
Leadership:
- Manage the Communications Officer providing guidance and support to ensure successful execution of campaigns and activities
Stakeholder Engagement:
Work with the Director of Engagement to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships and strategic relationships by:
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure message consistency aligned with EDV’s goals and values.
- Taking a lead role in supporting the implementation of the goals, objectives, and strategic priorities of the Victorian Eating Disorder Strategy, as it pertains to EDV.
- In conjunction with the executive team, cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders to amplify EDV’s voice and influence.
- Represent EDV at public events, conferences and meetings to raise awareness and support.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential:
- Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field
- Proven experience in communication roles, preferably in the nonprofit sector
- Demonstrated experience in developing content which is considerate of the nuances of our community
- Experience in creating communications collateral in the health promotion and/or fund-raising space
- Experience in digital marketing and communications, including SEO and data analytics
- The ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve objectives
- Experience in stakeholder management and the ability to develop effective and collaborative working relationships
- Excellent interpersonal and high-level communication skills that support the capacity to promote and represent EDV
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills and the ability to write reports and submissions.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- A demonstrated commitment to the values and principles underpinning EDV
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing circumstances
Desirable:
- An understanding of eating disorders, body image and related issues, and their impact on individuals, families and carers
- Experience of working within the mental health or community health or not for profit sectors
- Knowledge of policy advocacy processes and techniques, and experience engaging with policy makers and government agencies
- Understanding and working knowledge of government policies as they relate to mental health.
Employment conditions
- Location: This position will be based at the EDV office on Level 2 of the Magpies Community Centre (corner Lulie and Abbot Streets, Abbotsford).
- Normal working hours will be between Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
- Subject to satisfactory Working with Children Check, National Police Check and completion of Conflict-of-Interest Declaration.
- Probationary period will apply (3-months).
Ethical requirements
All EDV staff are required to adhere to the EDV Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, Core Values and guiding principles and relevant organisational policies, practices and guidelines.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please navigate to the ‘Apply Now’ section and include a resume and a cover letter including a specific response to each of the Key Selection Criteria (found on the position description). Please combine these as a single document. Direct applications to EDV via email will not be monitored.
We strongly encourage applications from applicants with diverse experience and backgrounds. We welcome people with lived experience of an eating disorder and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.
For more information about the role and working at EDV contact Belinda Caldwell, CEO at [email protected] using the subject line: Manager – Communications and Advocacy enquiry via EthicalJobs.
A position description is attached.