Background
The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) was founded in 1971 to promote the study of fish and the interchange of information between fish biologists in a relaxed but effective manner. The Society’s membership comprises fish and fisheries researchers, resource managers, fish enthusiasts and students based at government institutions and universities from Australia, New Zealand and the broader Australasian region. ASFB is governed by an executive committee comprising a President, vice-president, State representatives and other office bearers.
To communicate and engage effectively with our Membership, and with the wider online community, ASFB requires a dedicated Communications Manager. This person will have the responsibility of managing the society’s online engagement through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms, as appropriate (and agreed by the Executive Committee). Content is generally either supplied by ASFB Members or driven by the Communications Manager themselves. The Communications Manager will also work with the ASFB Newsletter Editor to coordinate content between social media platforms and the newsletter.
Position
Title: ASFB Communications Manager
Terms & Conditions: An employment agreement that extends to one year from the date of hire will be offered, with an opportunity to extend subject to satisfactory performance and ongoing funding availability. Appointment will be made following an assessment of expressions of interest (EOIs) and/or interviews with candidates by a sub-committee of the ASFB Executive.
Working Hours & Remuneration: Duties for the position are expected to require 4-7 hrs work per week during this initial employment period. Total remuneration will be AU$6,000 p.a., with the possibility of an additional bonus up to AU$2,000 p.a. for exceptional contributions, to be paid in quarterly instalments, subject to ongoing performance. If renewed for a further term, working hours and remuneration will be subject to renegotiation to fit with the evolving needs of the ASFB and the ASFB Communications Manager.
Location: Flexible
Reporting: The ASFB Communications Manager will work in collaboration with the ASFB Executive Committee, ASFB Newsletter Editor and ASFB Secretariat, and will report to the ASFB President.
Key Responsibilities
The ASFB Communications Manager will support the ASFB Executive and ASFB members in communicating their science, opportunities and other news via ASFB social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter). The Communications Manager will ensure these social media communications are appropriately integrated with the ASFB website, and that all content posted to ASFB social media accounts are appropriate for the goals of the Society (i.e., non-profit, non-aligned organisation to promote research, education and management of fish and fisheries in Australasia).
In addition to these core responsibilities, the Communications Manager will:
Provide strategic communications advice and support to the ASFB President and ASFB Executive
Develop and maintain their skills and understanding of social media, including emerging platforms
Work with ASFB members to develop social media posts that are of a consistent high standard (e.g., relevant picture and short summary, with links to further information)
Identify the social media communication needs and opportunities for the ASFB.
Key Duties (& Performance Measures)
This ASFB Communications Manager will:
Develop a clear understanding of ASFB’s Online Communication Policy and how it is being applied to the Society’s online presence (required to be completed within first month of appointment)
Post regular online content to our social media accounts (currently Facebook and Twitter, but this may change in future) that is consistent with the ASFB Online Communication Policy. The ASFB Communications manager is required to be active in these postings (minimum level of activity required is 3–4 Facebook posts and 3–4 Twitter posts per week)
Moderate and act upon inappropriate content posted to ASFB social media accounts, consistent with the ASFB Online Communication Policy. This must be checked regularly and any inappropriate content/comments acted upon promptly (within 12–24 hrs)
Collect feedback from ASFB members on our online communication content and methods, and work to address this feedback (in consultation with ASFB Executive)
Participate in regular ASFB Executive meetings (minimum of 3 times p.a.)
Collaborate with the ASFB Newsletter Editor to coordinate content between social media platforms and the ASFB newsletter, Lateral Lines (2 newsletters p.a.)
Coordinate social media for ASFB during the annual ASFB conferences
Assist ASFB members and ASFB Executive with any other issues that may arise with ASFB communications.
Key Selection Criteria
The following are basic prerequisites for the position:
Essential
Eligibility to legally work in Australia
High capacity for self-motivation, time management and ability to meet regular deadlines
Demonstrated ability to run directed, online engagement campaigns.
High level written and oral communications skills
Demonstrated awareness and literacy in the appropriate use of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) for professional organisations.
Desirable
Demonstrated experience (and/or relevant training) in social media communication or digital marketing for professional organisations
Demonstrated experience (and/or relevant training) developing communication, digital marketing, and/or social media policies and strategies for professional organisations
Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting scientific information for a general audience.
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest for this position should include a cover letter addressing how you are the ideal candidate for this role, enclose a short curriculum vitae (max 2 pages), and a short communications portfolio (1–2 pages with examples of your prior social media communications for a professional organisation) OR a short statement (1 page) outlining your approach to social media for a professional organisation. Please submit to ASFB Vice-President John Morrongiello (john.morrongiello@unimelb.edu.au). Submissions are due by 17 March 2023.
Download the Position Description.
