Senior Communications Manager

• Make a difference for animals by joining Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation
• An exciting opportunity to drive a transformational integrated media and communications function and strategy to enhance RSPCA Victoria’s profile and reputation across Victoria
• Full time permanent position in a hybrid environment based in Burwood East
  

About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is ‘ending cruelty to all animals’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation and a Federation member of RSPCA.

Our organisation’s purpose is: with the community, achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria’s values of Clarity and Accountability, Respect and Consideration, and Expertise and Collaboration – set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers as they work together, and with the community.

About the role

The Senior Communications Manager is responsible for leading and delivering a visionary integrated media and communications strategy, that enhances RSPCA’s profile and reputation across Victoria and nationally, articulates a clear public position for RSPCA on key matters affecting animal welfare, sets the tone and principles for messaging across the organisation and enhances our standing as an authority and thought leader for the welfare of animals in this state.

The position reports to the Head of Fundraising & Communications and manages a team of media and communication professionals. It oversees all internal and external communication, media, public relations, crisis/issues management, thought leadership and corporate affairs matters with special focus on the digital needs of the organisation.

Key responsibilities of this senior position include:

• Building, enhancing and protecting RSPCA Victoria’s profile and reputation through the development and delivery of an integrated strategic communication, media and PR plan, spanning internal and external channels.
• Providing media and communication support of a public positioning and advocacy strategy for RSPCA that articulates our role in advocating for the needs of animals and their care and welfare.
• Leading the digital communications output for the marketing of the requirements for the organisation to maximise support of fundraising and commercial enterprises.
• Leading on media and issues management, proactively identifying and addressing emerging challenges and opportunities (internally and externally), influencing and advising on approaches and driving a coordinated and effective response across the organisation.
• Ensuring that appropriate systems, processes and procedures are in place to support a best-in-class internal and external communications function, that continually measures and evaluates its effectiveness.

Who we’re looking for

RSPCA Victoria is seeking a seasoned communications leader with:

• At least 3-5 years leading a Communication/Media/Corporate Affairs function in a complex and issues-rich environment.
• Knowledge and experience in designing and implementing best practice digital communications across a range of platforms to support marketing, fundraising and communications needs.
• A proven ability to operate effectively under pressure and navigate complexity and shades of grey with resilience, foresight and adaptability.
• A capable systems thinker, able to consider the interconnectedness and interdependencies in a complex system of projects, stakeholders and resources.
• Excellent influencing skills and strong leadership presence, and a reputation as a trusted advisor to high-level stakeholders including CEOs and senior executives.
• A tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, media, journalism or a related discipline, and/or equivalent demonstrated experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building policies and processes to drive impact, evaluation and prudent risk management when managing media and communication issues and reputational risks.
• Provide strong leadership to manage and develop a team of communications professionals to the highest levels of performance, engagement and job satisfaction.

What’s on offer

• Hybrid working arrangements available (2 days per week from home), after initial induction and training
• Recognised by Mental Health First Aid Australia, as an advanced workplace – Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives; including confidential counselling services and education programs
• Generous discounts on products and services, including Royal Canin pet food, Hush Puppies footwear and RSPCA Victoria retail
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities.

Recruitment Requirements

• Valid and current driver’s license;
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check.

How to Apply

To learn more about this job opportunity, please visit our website at www.rspca.vic.org. If you have any questions, please contact our Recruitment Team via [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Communications Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs for a confidential discussion.

A position description is attached.

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.