JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title: Communications & Media Manager (parental leave cover) Reports to: Engagement & Marketing Director Manages: Online Communications Manager Media and Communications Advisor Communications Advisor Senior Communications and Campaigns Specialist Contractors, interns and volunteers as required Works closely with: Advocacy & Campaigns Director Other Engagement & Marketing Team Managers Other functional managers, contractors, interns and volunteers as required Department: Engagement Contract status & state date: 12 months fixed term from mid-May 2016 Location: Oxfam New Zealand Auckland office Grade: 18
BACKGROUND
Oxfam is a global movement of people working together for a future without poverty. We give a hand up, not a hand out – to create positive change that lasts.
Oxfam works in three ways: we respond to emergencies, saving lives and helping survivors recover; we provide people with the skills and resources to lift themselves out of poverty; and we campaign to change the unjust policies that keep people in poverty.
This role sits within Oxfam New Zealand’s (ONZ) Engagement Directorate. The Engagement Directorate’s role is to engage, educate and publicise the work of Oxfam within New Zealand and raise vital public funds for our advocacy, humanitarian and development work. It also works closely with the Campaigns and Advocacy directorate.
The Engagement Directorate utilises skills-based teams with a strong engagement and fundraising focus and members may also be part of multiple cross-functional project teams. Therefore variable time may be spent on tasks and activities contained in individual job descriptions throughout the year and, over time, we expect some changes to roles and responsibilities as resources are moved more flexibly within the directorate to meet new priorities and/ or to achieve greater efficiencies. There may therefore be changes to the ‘Primary responsibilities’ section of job descriptions, which will be made in discussion with individual post holders and with the agreement of the Engagement Director.
This role sits within the Communications & Media team, one of five functional teams within the Engagement & Marketing Directorate: Marketing and Fundraising, Communications & Media, Fundraising Events, Supporter Relations and Relationships Fundraising. The Communications & Media team has functional responsibilities for: o Media o Content, design, and delivery for email, online & print publications o Online technical development and support o Story gathering o Multimedia production o Brand management
Using the following channels o Oxfam publications o Website and online o Earned media
JOB PURPOSE Be responsible for leading the work of the Communications & Media team by providing appropriate direction, management, support and coordination to ensure the team works effectively and strategically.
The post holder also plays a key role in ensuring Oxfam’s brand is consistent in external communications, oversees major communications projects, provides strategic vision and management across a wide range of communications work and performs day-to-day activities that helps to ensure a strong public profile and achieve extensive media coverage for Oxfam’s humanitarian, programme, advocacy, campaigning and fundraising activity.
The Communications and Media Manager (CMM) is a key member of the Engagement Management Team.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership, planning and strategic development 1. Provide overall team leadership for external communications and the work of the Communications & Media team, including effective planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting.
2. Take primary responsibility for the development of ONZ’s overall communications strategy including key messaging, inputting into annual Operational Plans and budgets.
3. Craft smart media strategies for each significant body of work undertaken. Create annual strategies for social media development, celebrity engagement, maximising contribution to Oxfam’s core objectives using limited resources.
4. Identify and manage promotional opportunities for Oxfam, arising from strategic relationships or the spectrum of Oxfam’s work, current events and trends in the development debate.
5. Work with ONZ’s fundraising managers to identify opportunities to promote ONZ fundraising activities and events.
Oxfam New Zealand Media & Communications Manager Last updated March 2015 6. Work with the Advocacy and Campaigns team to identify and push stories from ONZ and Oxfam International advocacy campaigns.
7. Work with the Programme Director and Programme team to identify opportunities for media coverage for ONZ’s programmes, including through the visits of project partners and media visits to focal countries.
8. Contribute to ONZ’s decision-making processes through participation in reflection and planning sessions and prepare reports for the Directors Group and ONZ Board.
9. Develop and maintain a broad understanding of relevant development , humanitarian and social justice issues.
10. Provide leadership by directing and fulfilling media objectives as part of Oxfam New Zealand’s response to humanitarian disasters.
Team management 1. Be responsible for the recruitment, selection, induction, performance management (which includes objective setting & annual performance reviews), training and development of staff in the Communications & Media team.
2. Develop the skills and capabilities of all staff in the Communications & Media team through the provision of timely and appropriate support and guidance, and identify suitable development opportunities that enhance the professional skills and capacities of team members.
3. Be responsible for implementing and monitoring ONZ’s Human Resources policy and procedures within the communications function.
Public outreach and education 1. Ensuring consistent and appropriate use of language, imagery and graphics across all print, online and multimedia work seen by the public. Manage reputational risks.
2. Grow Oxfam’s voice within NZ media as a key authority on specific campaigns. Work closely with the Advocacy & Campaigns team to deliver popular mobilisation actions.
3. Gain exposure for ONZ fundraising events and activities through the implementation of effective communications strategies and plans and coordination with relevant Fundraising Managers
4. Develop and oversee the implementation of appropriate media crisis management policies and procedures.
5. Produce, distribute and place press releases and other publicity output that are accurate and of a high standard, reflecting Oxfam’s core values. Modify and pitch Oxfam International press releases for the New Zealand media.
6. Arrange media interviews for Oxfam spokespeople. Organise photo opportunities and other media events.
7. Act as an effective Oxfam spokesperson in TV, radio and print interviews, and across a variety of public speaking opportunities.
8. Facilitate professional media training for Oxfam staff and partners.
Oxfam New Zealand Media & Communications Manager Last updated March 2015 9. Develop and cultivate good relationships with key individuals and institutions involved in media and publicity.
10. Build up and maintain ONZ’s media contacts, cultivating personal relationships with key media and managing staff to keep the database up to date.
Publications, online and editorial 1. Oversee and manage the delivery of print publications, e-updates and other reports and promotional materials.
2. Support relevant team members with briefing & liaison on graphic design outsourcing.
3. Ensure the ONZ websites are effectively managed, that the content is up to date and reflects ONZ’s policies and positions. Additionally ensure strategic development of Oxfam’s social networking presence to support organisational priorities, including dynamic content and increasing numbers of supporters.
4. Oversee ONZ’s story gathering programme, staying within agreed budgets and ensuring that a maximum of high-quality photos, case studies and video is procured, well-organised, presented to staff, suitable for all team’s needs, and shared with Oxfam affiliates, partners and beneficiaries.
5. Contribute to the crafting, editing and production of print and electronic materials for the Engagement & Marketing, Advocacy & Campaigns, and Programme teams.
Multi-media projects 1. Oversee the production of video and audio materials to support Oxfam’s work, both in New Zealand and across Oxfam International. Ensuring a variety of formats to ensure the capacity to deliver to across various platforms.
2. Manage professional contractors for directing, camera operation and editing services, maintaining Oxfam’s key messages, look and feel throughout projects.
Celebrity relationships 1. Lead on major celebrity projects within New Zealand and, as required, internationally.
2. Place celebrity material generated by Oxfam International in New Zealand media.
3. Capitalise on existing Oxfam International relationships with major public figures when they come to New Zealand, for instance Coldplay, Bob Geldof, Robert Fisk, etc.
4. Manage Oxfam’s existing relationships with New Zealand celebrities, ensuring mutually beneficial experiences. Strategically build new partnerships with celebrities when necessary.
General
Undertake any other tasks that may be delegated by the Engagement & Marketing Director that are in keeping with the scope of the role.
Oxfam New Zealand Media & Communications Manager Last updated March 2015 COMPETENCIES
Qualifications, knowledge and experience Strong communications experience across multiple channels & platforms including social & traditional media, digital/online & publications Experience of strategy development and implementation Experience of developing media strategies, writing press releases, organising photo opportunities and selling stories to media Experience of writing online content, editing and commissioning articles Good experience and understanding of social media development, tools and how to use to influence, and mobilise the public Good understanding of the New Zealand media industry requirements, structure and operations Staff management experience and a good understanding of how to achieve excellent team performance Knowledge of website development, design and maintenance and of accessibility and usability issues in website design Awareness and demonstrated understanding of social justice & international development issues, and a proactive interest in the work that Oxfam is engaged in Tertiary level qualification in communications, media studies, journalism, public relations or equivalent industry experience Experience of face-to-face communications, including public speaking and conducting media interviews (desirable) Knowledge or experience of humanitarian contexts (desirable)
Professional skills Ability to adapt an organisation’s vision to ongoing and new communications work Proven project management skills Excellent writing skills including copy editing and proof reading Ability to identify good media stories and tailor media output to fit with organisational objectives News sense and sound political judgement Ability to understand complex issues and develop simple and accurate messages Competent in Microsoft Office applications and relevant communications tools
Personal attributes Excellent verbal communication skills Strong organisational skills and ability to deliver work on time and to a high standard Ability to work to tight deadlines, under pressure and to react to changing events Ability to lead and motivate others, using a participatory management approach Ability to work collaboratively with others Highly motivated, creative and detail-oriented Ability to think strategically and develop innovative approaches Flexibility, adaptability and willingness to take on a wide range of tasks Strong commitment to Oxfam’s mission and values Willingness to take on weekend and evening work and some overseas travel.
TIME OFF IN LIEU (TOIL) The role may involve some out of hours and/or weekend working, for which appropriate time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given, in accordance with ONZ’s TOIL policy.
Oxfam New Zealand Media & Communications Manager Last updated March 2015 TRAVEL
The postholder may be required to undertake some overseas travel, to meet the requirements of the role and to contribute to ONZ’s and Oxfam International’s work.
Some areas where Oxfam New Zealand works are subject to civil conflict and/or natural disasters, which could be potentially hazardous. Oxfam New Zealand has established security procedures to minimise the risk to its staff and partners.
TIME OFF IN LIEU (TOIL)
The post holder may be required to work evenings or weekends for which appropriate time of in lieu will be awarded in line with the organisation’s TOIL policy.
Oxfam New Zealand Media & Communications Manager Last updated March 2015