UNITED WORKERS’ UNION

The United Workers Union are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Communications Advisor to lead and deliver effective communication strategies across multiple channels. This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis and is open to applicants from all major capital cities.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in senior-level communications roles and the ability to influence, advise, and support both internal and external stakeholders.

This role requires a deep understanding of organisational objectives, the ability to handle complex communications issues, and a passion for delivering impactful messaging that enhances brand reputation.

ABOUT UNITED WORKERS’ UNION

United Workers’ Union is a powerful member-led union whose sole purpose is to serve the collective interests of members in workplaces and communities by winning significant and long-lasting gains. The Union is driving change by growing union membership, developing leadership amongst our members, encouraging active member participation in the union, building and enforcing standards in our sectors, and campaigning both politically and in the community.

As a union with a proudly diverse membership, we are committed to equity and inclusion; and continuing to build a union that is truly representative of the workers we cover. We encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and women.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies aligned with union’s goals and key priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on effective communication approaches for internal and external audiences, ensuring consistency and clarity across all messaging.
• Lead the development of key communication materials, including press releases, speeches, and collateral.

Stakeholder Engagement & Media Relations

• Support the development and maintenance of strong relationships with key stakeholders, including media representatives, partners, government bodies, and third parties.
• Support proactive and reactive media relations, including drafting press statements, handling media inquiries, and coordinating interviews.
• Advise senior leadership on media opportunities and potential risks to manage the union’s reputation.

Internal Communications

• Contribute to as directed, the creation and delivery of internal communications, ensuring employees are kept informed, engaged, and aligned with organisational objectives.

Content Creation & Oversight

• Lead the production of high-level content, including print assets, presentations, thought leadership articles, reports, and digital content.
• Ensure all content is aligned with the union’s voice, values, and strategic goals.
• Maintain oversight of all communication outputs to ensure consistency, quality, and accuracy.

Strategy and Performance Evaluation

• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns, using data and feedback to refine approaches.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on the impact of communications efforts, including analysis of engagement metrics, media coverage, and employee feedback.
• Continuously assess and adapt strategies to ensure that the communications function remains relevant and responsive to changing needs.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor the communications team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance environment, encouraging creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the delegation of tasks for relevant projects within the team and ensure the efficient delivery of communication projects.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor the effectiveness of communication strategies, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Provide regular reports on communications performance and recommend adjustments to improve impact.
• Newsletters and targeted communications.

Growth & Retention

• Contribute to content strategies and campaigns that drive audience growth, engagement, and retention.
• Implement tactics to nurture and expand digital communities, fostering long-term member engagement.
• Analyse audience behaviours and preferences to tailor content that enhances the audience and member experience.

Brand & Reputation Management

• Ensure content reflects and enhances the UWU’s brand identity and values.
• Monitor online sentiment and engage with audiences to maintain a positive brand image.
• Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts through timely, accurate, and thoughtful content.

Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement & Active Team Member

• Work closely with the teams across UWU to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Liaise with external vendors or freelancers, as needed, for specialised content production.
• Cover other roles of the Industrial & Workplace team as necessary due to leave, assignment or other operational necessities.

Trend Analysis & Innovation

• Stay up-to-date with digital trends, tools, and platforms to innovate communications strategies.
• Experiment with new content formats to engage and grow audiences.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

To perform the role of a Development Lead, the successful individual should demonstrate the following:

Qualifications

• A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Additional qualifications in crisis communication, media relations, or strategic communications are desirable.

Experience

• Proven experience (5+ years) in senior-level communications roles, with significant experience in public relations, media relations, and internal communications.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex organisations or projects.
• Experience in managing high-profile communications during crises or sensitive situations.

Technical Skills

• Strong media relations and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar.
• Knowledge of SEO, UX, and email marketing best practices.

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance short-term needs with long-term objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of digital communication tools, platforms, and trends.
• Commitment to and understanding of UWU’s values and priorities.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• A diplomatic approach, with the ability to manage sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.

Desirable

• Experience with graphic design or multimedia content creation.
• Knowledge of SEO and content marketing.

Values, Attitudes, and Behaviours

• A passion and drive to improve workers' lives and achieving the goals of the Union.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with stakeholders.
• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Ability to reflect on and critique individual and team work and be responsive to feedback and instruction.
• Adhere to all UWU policies and procedures.

To perform this job, you will also be required to have or obtain and maintain:

• Right of Entry Permits;
• Valid Australian Driver’s License; and
• Immunisation against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption.

You will be assessed on your demonstrated ability to meet the requirements of the role description and the capabilities and attributes required for the role (UWU Capabilities Framework) and (UWU PDP Attributes).

REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant, which will include:

• Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience;
• 16% superannuation;
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 25% leave loading

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, together with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria on People, Culture and Change by clicking ‘Apply Now’ below.

For further information about the role, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Communications Advisor - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.