Communications Officer

About WACSSO

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO) represents 650 affiliated P&Cs across Western Australia. We are the voice of parents and citizens, positively influencing the direction of education so that every student has the best opportunity to realise their potential. We believe every student in Western Australia should have access to the best education possible.

For over a century, we have worked passionately with school organisations across this state to improve the public education system - all the while never losing sight of a simple principle: that we are stronger together. Which is why we work every day to build the individual capacity of all of our affiliates – empowering them through a number of support services, knowledge-sharing and learning opportunities.

Together with the P&C community and all our stakeholders, we will work tirelessly to advance public education in Western Australia, so that every student has the best chance to realise their potential.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the President and National Communications Manager, the Communications Officer will lead the organisation’s state communications and advocacy function.

This is a hands-on role. You will be responsible for both setting direction in conjunction with the CEO and National Comms Manager, and delivering outcomes – from drafting submissions and briefing papers through to managing digital communications and stakeholder messaging.

You will operate relatively independently in a complex stakeholder environment, applying sound judgement and professionalism when navigating sensitive issues and competing priorities.

This is a 0.6 FTE role, preferably worked across 4–5 days per week between the hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm with Full-Time 1.0 FTE options also considered. Hybrid working options are also available at the discretion of management upon successful completion of probationary period. Occasional work outside of typical business hours may be required.

What you will do:

Content, Marketing & Digital Channels

• Develop and execute promotional, marketing and communications plans and campaigns

• Coordinate and manage communications channels, including social media, website and publications

• Write, coordinate and publish the in house newsletter, periodical and other core publications

• Maintain and grow a collateral and image library

• Ensure and champion consistency of tone, brand and style across all communication touchpoints

Advocacy, Policy & Research Communications

• Advocate, promote and communicate policy positions and research

• Monitor for submission opportunities and coordinate, research and draft advocacy papers

• Prepare background papers, briefings and reports

• Represent the organisation on panels when requested, ensuring alignment with policy positions

Stakeholder, Media & Leadership Support

• Provide strategic and operational communications support to the CEO and President

• Coordinate key stakeholder communications and messaging

• Provide communication, public relations and media support

• Oversee fulfilment of grant, partner and advertising communication obligations

• Ministerial and other key stakeholder appointment liaison for CEO and President (supported by administration staff)

Performance, Suppliers & Budget

• Monitor and report on digital and campaign performance using engagement and analytics data

• Professionally brief and manage external suppliers (e.g. designers, printers, media)

• Manage relationships with external vendors

• Budget management and reporting

What you will bring:

Essential

• Significant experience (5+ years) prior experience in communications, advocacy, journalism or policy

• Strong experience managing social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram etc).

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor tone for diverse audiences.

• Knowledge in the best practices of managing social media channels including Facebook and LinkedIn

• Strong judgement and ability to operate independently without day-to-day supervision

• Strong communicator who works well independently and with a team.

• Ability to communicate with empathy and clarity to parents

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and professionalism in representing the organisation.

• Strong design/visual literacy and proficiency in Canva.

• Excellent time management and ability to juggle multiple priorities.

• Ability to prioritise, think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, and content management systems.

• Knowledge of digital marketing tools including SEO and email marketing.

• Ability to collect, analyse and present data.

 Desirable

• Journalism or policy advisory experience

• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics / 365 CRM, Customer Insight Journeys and Knowledge Article management

• Knowledge of WordPress, Memberpress and SharePoint.

• Understanding of government, or the not-for-profit sector.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, graphic design or related field (or equivalent practical experience).

• Eligibility to work in Australia.

• National Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain).

 How to Apply

Please click the Apply Now button and attach your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We are looking for someone to start immediately.

For more information about WACSSO, visit www.wacsso.wa.edu.au