The Geelong Community Foundation is seeking a Communications and Engagement Manager to lead and coordinate the organisation’s communication and engagement activities. This new internal role reports directly to the CEO and will replace the previously outsourced communications function and provide strategic and operational leadership in content creation, social media, event coordination, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate is a creative communicator and strategic thinker with demonstrated experience in managing social media platforms, developing communications collateral, working independently and collaboratively, and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to promote the Foundation’s work and impact.

The role will work closely with the CEO to develop an annual communications and engagement plan. The role will also work with the Program and Impact Manager and our grant partners to tell the story of our work in the community, and with the Development Manager to communicate this impact to donors and capture donor stories. The position will also support the Foundation’s P500 program and committee.

Duties & Accountabilities

Strategic Communication and Content Management

· Develop and implement an annual communications and engagement plan aligned with the Foundation’s strategic objectives.

· Plan, create, and schedule engaging content across social media platforms (Meta – Facebook and Instagram, and LinkedIn) to increase reach and engagement.

· Support paid social media campaigns and collaborate with third-party digital marketing specialists.

· Manage the development and delivery of the Foundation’s communications collateral including the Annual Report, brochures, and presentations.

· Manage the production and distribution of newsletters and electronic direct mail (EDMs) for GCF and P500.

· Maintain and update the Foundation’s website with timely, relevant content.

Media and Public Relations

· Write and pitch compelling feature stories to media to promote the Foundation’s grants, donors, and impact.

· Maintain relationships with local media outlets to secure regular coverage of Foundation stories.

· Monitor media coverage and maintain a media contact database.

Events and Community Engagement

· Coordinate the planning, promotion, and delivery of key Foundation events including:
- The annual Grants Reception
- P500 Launch Event
- P500 Pitch and Vote Night
- Donor and community engagement events
· Assist with stakeholder engagement activities, including outreach to community organisations, donors, partners, and other funders.

· Support implementation of the Foundation’s Vital Signs initiative and other strategic engagement opportunities.

Collaboration

· Work closely with the Program and Impact Manager and grant partners to develop stories that reflect the Foundation’s impact in the community.

· Collaborate with the Development Manager to support donor communications, communicate the Foundation’s impact, and capture and share donor stories.

· Support cross-functional Foundation initiatives that require communication and engagement input.

· Support the P500 committee and coordinate the communication of the P500 program’s activities and impact.

· Liaise with key external stakeholders including the Foundation’s website developer and graphic designer to ensure brand consistency and high-quality outputs.

Reporting and Evaluation

· Track and report on engagement metrics across communication channels (social media, web, media).

· Monitor and evaluate communications activities to ensure continuous improvement.

Required skills and experience

· Demonstrated experience in managing social media accounts, creating and scheduling engaging content across Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and LinkedIn.

· Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for a variety of audiences and platforms.

· Experience in producing newsletters and electronic direct mail (EDMs).

· Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also working collaboratively with team members and external stakeholders.

· Proven experience in managing events and communications projects from concept to delivery.

· Understanding of the philanthropic or not-for-profit sector is highly desirable.

· Knowledge of local media and community networks in the Geelong region.

· Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

· Confidence to engage with diverse stakeholders and represent the Foundation positively in the community.

· Experience utilising the following platforms and software

o Meta Business Suite and LinkedIn (essential)

o Mailchimp (highly desirable)

o WordPress or other website CMS platforms (desirable)

o Canva (desirable)

Please note that this role requires candidates to have a current driving licence and a vehicle that can be used for work purposes. A generous vehicle allowance will be provided.

Please contact CEO Amy Waters to discuss your application: p) 0413 868 721

To apply please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] by COB Wednesday 28 May. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.