Communications Officer

Description:

Reports To: CEO

Employment Type: 0.7-1 FTE, including time outside standard business hours.

Contract Period: Ongoing

About Landcare ACT: Landcare ACT is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting community groups and volunteers in conserving, enhancing, and sustainably managing our environment. We represent, support and promote the approximately 100 community groups and thousands of individuals, who help look after rural areas, urban parklands, nature reserves and waterways of the ACT Region. We work collaboratively with local landholders, First Nations groups, government agencies and other stakeholders to foster community-led environmental stewardship.

Landcare ACT is a member of the National Landcare Network (NLN) along with the Landcare peak bodies from each State and Territory. The role of Landcare ACT is established under a Constitution, with activities guided by a Strategic Plan.

Position Overview: The Communications Officer will work closely with the CEO to develop and implement Landcare ACT’s communication strategies and activities. This role involves promotion of Landcare ACT’s mission, coordinating events, creating content, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. The Communications Officer will work closely with the whole Landcare ACT team to ensure effective and efficient communication of both project and corporate activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Content Creation and Management
   • Develop and manage content for Landcare ACT’s website, social media channels, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
   • Write, edit, and proofread articles, press releases, blog posts, reports and other materials.
   • Ensure all content aligns with Landcare ACT’s branding and messaging guidelines.
2. Social Media Management
   • Work with Landcare ACT team to manage and grow Landcare ACT’s presence on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
   • Monitor interactions and respond to comments and messages.
   • Analyse social media metrics and prepare reports to inform strategy and improve engagement.
3. Event Coordination
   • Assist in planning, promoting, and executing events such as workshops, webinars and community activities.
   • Coordinate logistics, including venue booking, catering, and materials preparation.
   • Support post-event follow-up and evaluation.
4. Media Relations
   • Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and journalists.
   • Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories.
   • Monitor media coverage and compile media reports.
5. Internal Communications
   • Support internal communication initiatives to keep staff and volunteers informed and engaged.
   • Prepare internal newsletters, updates, and announcements.
   • Assist in organizing internal events and activities.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Engage with community groups, partners, and stakeholders to promote Landcare ACT’s initiatives and programs.
   • Support the development and distribution of promotional materials and information packs.
7. Project assistance
   • Support the implementation of projects as required.
8. Other duties as required

Selection Criteria:

Essential:

1. Proven experience in a communications role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
2. Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly in a team.
3. Strong writing skills, including ability to prepare documents for various audiences and purposes as well as editing, and proofreading skills.
4. Experience in event planning and coordination.
5. Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to deliver high quality communication projects on time.

Desirable:

1. An understanding of the environmental, social and institutional context of community conservation, environmental management and/or Catchment Management in the ACT.
2. Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in Communications, Environmental Management, or related discipline.

Landcare ACT is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.