Love communicating conservation science? Join the Biodiversity Council’s small team and use your digital content skills to help communicate some of the most pressing issues facing nature in Australia and their solutions.
Salary: $80,000 - $88,000 per annum (pro-rata if part-time)
Superannuation: Employer contribution of 12%
Working hours: Full time (1.0 FTE) or Part-time (minimum 0.8FTE)
Basis of employment: 2 year fixed-term (3-month probation)
Location: Preference for Brisbane or Melbourne, but work from home may be considered for the right applicant.
About the Biodiversity Council
The Biodiversity Council is an independent expert group founded by 11 Australian university partners to promote evidence-based solutions to Australia’s biodiversity crisis. The Biodiversity Council is a non-partisan, evidence-based organisation.
Our mission is to be a trusted expert voice on Australia’s most pressing biodiversity issues. We elevate the evidence and voices of scientists, Indigenous Knowledge Holders and other experts to influence outcomes on nationally significant biodiversity issues, including in policy settings, the media and other public forums.
We communicate evidence and solutions to governments, businesses and the community to motivate effective action so biodiversity and Country can prosper.
The Biodiversity Council is a not-for-profit organisation funded by donors. Our expert councillors contribute their time and expertise to help improve outcomes for nature across Australia and are supported by a small executive team.
Position summary
The Digital Communications Officer supports the Science Communication Director to implement the Biodiversity Council’s communications strategy, with responsibility for day-to-day delivery across social media, the website, email and webinars.
A major focus is repackaging material to produce professional and impactful social media content, including short videos, graphics and written content that makes complex biodiversity issues accessible to diverse audiences.
A key responsibility of this role is ensuring our digital communications consistently reflect our position as a non-partisan expert voice and protect the council’s reputation for accurate, credible and constructive communication.
This is a hands-on role in a small, fast-paced team where priorities can change rapidly in response to breaking issues and opportunities.
The officer independently manages agreed tasks and drafts content which is approved by others. Public positions, messaging and editorial decisions remain with the Science Communication Director.
Key responsibilitiesSocial media and content production
- Day-to-day management of social media channels.
- Write and adapt social media copy for different platforms and audiences.
- Create graphics and other digital assets using Canva and related tools.
- Produce compelling short-form videos from supplied interviews, media appearances, webinars, pieces to camera and other footage, with captions, titles and graphics.
- Monitor comments, messages and brand mentions, respond or escalate as appropriate, and moderate misinformation and inappropriate content.
- Work with Biodiversity Council experts to develop accurate responses to audience questions where specialist input is required.
Website and email
- Maintain and publish website content, including news, resources, videos and events, ensuring accuracy and quality.
- Draft website news copy.
- Coordinate website improvements and external web developers where required.
- Develop and distribute newsletters, event promotions and other email communications.
- Support the development and improvement of subscriber and supporter journeys.
Webinars and digital events
- Coordinate webinars and other digital events, including speakers, timelines, registration, promotion and webinar platforms.
- Provide technical production support during events, including speaker coordination, troubleshooting, audience chat and Q&A.
- Coordinate post-event communications, publish recordings and produce short clips for digital promotion.
Analytics and communications support
- Monitor social media, website and email performance and prepare quarterly reports on key metrics and trends.
- Identify opportunities to improve digital content, audience growth and engagement.
- Support digital communications for media, publications, fundraising and other organisational priorities.
- Work collaboratively with councillors, staff, university partners and other stakeholders.
- Undertake other communications activities as directed by the Science Communication Director.
Selection criteria
Essential
- Excellent written communication skills and demonstrated ability to translate complex information into clear, concise content for non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrated experience managing organisational social media channels and producing high-quality digital content.
- Strong content production skills, including writing clear and engaging copy, creating graphics and producing short-form video.
- Video editing skills using Adobe Premiere Pro or equivalent, and graphic design skills using Canva or equivalent.
- Strong attention to detail, sound judgement and commitment to accuracy, including an understanding of the importance of protecting organisational reputation when communicating publicly.
- Experience with website content management systems, email marketing platforms and digital analytics.
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior experts and other stakeholders while independently progressing agreed work.
- Ability to work within organisational positions, editorial processes and brand guidelines and recognise when editorial, scientific or reputational matters require escalation.
Desirable
- Familiarity with Australian biodiversity issues, conservation management and relevant stakeholders.
- Qualifications or equivalent professional experience in communications, digital media, science communication, conservation science, ecology or a related field.
- Experience communicating scientific, technical or policy information to public audiences.
- Experience producing webinars or other online events.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro and InDesign, plus Mailchimp.
- Experience analysing and reporting on website and social media performance using Google Analytics and social media analytics platforms.
More details and how to apply:
See: https://biodiversitycouncil.org.au/about/digital-communications-officer
