Communications Manager
Soil CRC
Location
Flexible (remote working possible)
Or Soil CRC Head Office, Newcastle NSW
(Industry Development Centre, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus)

Full time
$120,000 per year plus super

About the Business

Context

The Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils (the Soil CRC) is a member of the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program. The CRC Program supports industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers, and the community. Australia’s network of CRCs operates across all sectors of Australia’s economy and society.

The Soil CRC was established to develop, and provide to farmers, the knowledge, information, and tools to make smart decisions and act on complex soil management issues.

The Soil CRC bridges the gap between soil science and farm management, bringing together researchers, industry and farmers to find practical solutions for improving the performance and productivity of Australia’s soil. This enables farmers to optimise their productivity and profitability and ensure the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

Through its research and innovation program, the Soil CRC is developing new approaches to soil management to unlock the potential of Australia’s agricultural sector, while also helping farmers adapt to a changing climate.

The Soil CRC was established in 2017 with funding for 10 years, comprising $39.5 million from the Australian Government and $127 million cash and in-kind contributions from its Participants. The Soil CRC is the biggest collaborative soil research effort in Australia’s history with 39 Participants that contribute to the Soil CRC through both cash and in-kind contributions.

Vision

Australian farmers using best practice soil management to underpin a dynamic, sustainable, and profitable agricultural sector.

Mission

To contribute new knowledge, tools and practices to help Australia’s farmers better manage their soils to improve the profitability, sustainability, resilience and well-being of the agriculture sector. 

CRC Values

Collaborative

The Soil CRC is a collaborative and inclusive research and adoption organisation, passionate about soil and bold in its approach to delivering outcomes.

End-user driven and focussed

The Soil CRC is end-user driven in all things it does. Through farmer and other groups, industry are genuine partners in the CRC, helping to set priorities, develop proposals, undertake research, interpret results and communicate the new knowledge.

Multidisciplinary

The Soil CRC employs the necessary disciplines and expertise to deliver change during the life of the CRC, while being aspirational in its long-term goals to ensure a continuing legacy.

Research excellence

The Soil CRC is committed to research excellence – in science practice, capacity building, governance, management, integrity and ethics. The CRC is committed to being a national collaborative leader, recognised as an integral part of Australia’s agricultural innovation system.

About the Role

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the role manages the communication and stakeholder engagement activities of the Soil CRC.

The Communications Manager will provide communications services directly to the CRC and will also be responsible for the engagement and management of external service providers where required.

The role takes a proactive, end-user-focused approach in the development and delivery of high-quality communications services across the Soil CRC, working closely with internal and external stakeholders.

While there is a preference for the position to be based at head office in Newcastle, NSW, it is possible to undertake this position from anywhere in Australia.

The role involves minimal supervision as tasks required are mostly driven by the Soil CRC annual calendar of activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy that aligns with the Soil CRC’s Strategic Plan.
2. Develop, draft and edit high quality written material including internal communications, articles, reports, web and social media content, newsletters, feature stories, press releases, presentations, and other communications across different print and digital media platforms.
3. Oversee the expansion and maintenance of the Soil CRC’s website and its social media presence.
4. Act as a brand guardian, ensuring brand integrity across all organisational communications.
5. Oversee the production of key strategic communications documents such as plain English versions of project outputs and key reports to support partner and end user engagement.
6. Actively cultivate media relationships and seek out and respond to media and influencing opportunities for the Soil CRC.
7. Develop and maintain a constructive working relationship with the Soil CRC’s partners to ensure consistent messaging and to maximise our reach.
8. Develop and implement events, workshops, webinars and opportunities to facilitate networking and collaboration including all aspects of preplanning, implementation, evaluation, liaison and management of suppliers, site management etc.
9. Manage development and design of the annual report and other corporate documents.

Staff Requirements

The duties as specified above may be altered by mutual agreement in accordance with the changing requirements of the Soil CRC.

Staff must adhere to all Soil CRC workplace policies and procedures including those related to work health and safety, equity, diversity, and promotion of a respectful workplace culture.

Special Requirements

• A flexible approach to work is expected as some out of hours work may be required.
• Position may require occasional overnight travel within Australia.

Key Relationships

Internal

• Chief Executive Officer
• Program Leaders
• Soil Knowledge Broker
• All other Soil CRC staff

External

• Project Leaders
• CRC project teams
• Partners (especially Communications Officers/Mangers)
• Media

Selection Criteria: Essential

1. A degree in communications with subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and expertise in communications, especially in relation to science communications.
2. Demonstrated success in a similar role, preferably in the agricultural or scientific research sectors.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of marketing and communication best practice principles, including the use of social media, to enhance corporate image, and maintain a professional profile to the research community, to industry and to the public.
4. Strong writing skills and a proven track-record of producing high quality and effective communication materials based on the outputs of scientific research.
5. Demonstrated media relations experience including publicist skills, developing media relationships, understanding of how the media operates, their needs and responsiveness
6. A strong understanding of, and expertise in. digital communications, especially with social media and broadcasting platforms, graphics platforms, website administration, MailChimp, EDM campaign management, research tools, surveys, and video and photo editing.
7. Demonstrated experience in event management, workshops, webinars including all aspects of preplanning, implementation, evaluation, liaison and management of suppliers, site management etc.
8. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and to work as part of a team.
9. Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage contractors, multi-task, prioritise and meet deadlines.

 Closing Date:Tuesday 28 February 2023

Further Information and Position Description

Chief Executive Officer, Michael Crawford
T: 0419 355 296 E: michael.crawford@soilcrc.com.au

How to submit your application

Applications are to be submitted via Seek
(PDF cover letter and statement together)

Applications must include

1. Cover Letter
2. A statement addressing the Selection Criteria (maximum 250 words per criteria).
3. Resume

Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

The names and contact details of at least two referees will need to be provided should the candidate proceed to interview.

This is a private advertisement and applications will not be accepted from recruitment agents.