Position Title Communications Lead
Full Time Equivalent 5 days per week
Reports to Director of Mission and Ministries (DoMM)
Position Location 1193 Toorak Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124
INTRODUCTION
The Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) is an association of more than 250 churches, faith communities, micro churches with over 330 congregations , and Baptist agencies in Victoria. It is a non-profit organisation, with a vision to be a Union of 500 flourishing churches with Christ-like followers, transforming Victoria. Our 50-year goal is to double the number of flourishing Baptist churches in Victoria, and we do this by encouraging, equipping, and empowering our local churches for mission.
Baptists are grass-roots people, with a particular emphasis on the local church. These local churches are self-governing and self-supporting, ranging in size from twenty or so members to several thousand. Although each Baptist church is an autonomous entity, Baptists nonetheless have always believed in associating with one another - and so churches come together in regional, national, and international spheres to promote and support the fellowship of Baptists everywhere.
The BUV Support Hub is the central support office where this role will be based; here, we promote and live out the values of faith, community, servanthood, stewardship, and respect.
PURPOSE
The experienced Communications Lead is responsible for driving the organisation’s overall, brand identity, communication and engagement strategies. In addition to executing high-level communications, this role is responsible for planning all communication, ensuring a cohesive, integrated approach across all BUV channels and providing leadership and day-to-day supervision to a small Communications team. This role is also responsible for engagement with a range of Baptist stakeholders, including church pastors and leaders, Members of Assembly, the wider Baptist community, BUV agencies and affiliates representatives.
The role also provides oversight of the contract with Baptist Camping Victoria to deliver their marketing and communications function.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications & Engagement
- Work with the DoMM in developing the BUV Communication Strategy and plans
- Develop and implement overarching communications strategies to elevate brand awareness and stakeholder engagement
- Develop Communication Team plans based on the BUV Strategic Direction and annual Shared Goals
- Lead the development of and manage communication approaches for key BUV initiatives
- Provide brand, communication and marketing advice and support to the Director of Mission & Ministries and the Leadership Team
- Champion and maintain clear and cohesive BUV brand identity and tone of voice across all Support Hub communication, engagement and events
- Oversee the production of all newsletters, EDM’s, Information packs, Annual Reports, Impact Reports and other promotional information including proofing and editing of written communication before distribution
- Oversee the curation and publishing of inspiring stories from around our Union and the production of the quarterly E-magazine
- Oversee the maintenance and currency of the BUV website and digital content
- Develop the content strategy and oversee the posting on social media channels
- Develop and manage internal communication channels
- Collaborate with team members and ensure current and topical resources are developed and published on comms channels
- Review and approve project workflows, ensuring all public-facing content aligns with brand guidelines and organizational goals
- Create and deliver marketing communication campaigns to engage the Baptist community
- Maintain collaborative relationships and ways of working with BUV agency and affiliates
- Oversee the Communications and Marketing contract with Baptist Camping Victoria
- Manage media inquiries and advise on issues management and crisis communication
- Manage external supplier relationships
Events and Training
- Oversee the development and execution of an integrated annual communications and events calendar.
- Oversee the planning and facilitation of biannual major organisational events and all other Support Hub events and training (including online training), ensuring all events serve clear communication objectives and deliver consistent brand experience
Database Oversight
- Maintain the BUV database ensuring one source of truth across the organization with currency and accuracy of data and audience segmentation
- Oversee implementation and currency of various software integrations to ensure process efficiencies and future proofing
Team Management
- Lead, mentor and supervise the Communications Team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Professional Qualifications / Experience
- Tertiary qualifications in relevant Marketing or Communications discipline
- Minimum 5-year proven experience in Communications role, preferably within the NFP or religious organization
- Experience in communication strategy development
- Experience with Website, CRM and integrated platforms – Wordpress, Salesforce, Marketing Cloud etc
- Well-connected in the Victorian church community and other strategic partners
- Awareness of Victorian Baptist ethos – including its diverse ecclesiology, especially as it applies to missional and pastoral leadership
Essential Qualities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to maintain sensitivity and confidentiality when dealing with delicate matters
- Strong leader who supports a positive, high performing culture
- Self-directed, requires minimal supervision, maintain initiative, optimize time management and willingness to work flexible hours as required
- Proven ability to relate effectively to people and churches from a wide range of theological, ecclesiological, and cultural approaches to ministry
- Evidence of highly developed administrative, record keeping and computer skills
- A strong Christian faith with commitment to personal spiritual growth and ongoing personal and professional development
- Committed follower of Jesus demonstrating servant leadership, integrity and high moral values
- Interpersonal Skills
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with a high level of maturity, resilience, tact, and diplomacy
- Approachability and ability to quickly build and maintain relationships at every level and establish trust across diverse stakeholders
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Ability to relate to people assertively with warmth, empathy, and acceptance
KEY ACCOUNTABILITY
Director of Mission & Ministries
DIRECT REPORTS
- Communications Coordinator (0.9 FTE includes Baptist Camping Marketing & Comms contract role)
- Events Coordinator (1.0 FTE)
- Communications Administration Assistant (0.4 FTE)
OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- BUV Leadership Team
- BUV Writing Consultant
- Director of Camping, Baptist Camping Victoria
- BUV employees
- Constituent churches
- Baptist Agency and Affiliate representatives
LOCATION OF POSITION
BUV Support Hub - 1193 Toorak Road, Camberwell VIC 3124
APPLICATION OR ENQUIRY
- Send application or queries to coombs@buv.com.au
- Applications should include CV and a Cover Letter addressing key competencies and relevant experience.
- Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be closed once the successful candidate has been appointed.
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