Communications Lead

The Geelong Community Foundation is seeking an experienced Communications Lead to coordinate and deliver high-quality communications during an 18 month period of parental leave and progressive return to work within the Communications & Engagement function.

The role will be responsible for the consistent day-to-day delivery of the Foundation's communications across digital channels, EDMs, website, campaigns, impact storytelling, media and event communications.

The role will work within an overarching annual communications structure and campaign timeline established by the Communications & Engagement Manager, while undertaking the practical planning required to deliver activity across the year. The Communications Lead will work closely with the Philanthropy Manager, Program & Impact Manager, CEO and wider team to communicate the Foundation's work and impact to donors, prospective donors, grant partners and the broader community.

The successful candidate will be an excellent writer and practical communications professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities and take work from brief through to delivery. The role will coordinate external photography, videography, design and other specialist suppliers as required. The role will require occasional work outside standard business hours to support Foundation events and activities.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver the Foundation's annual communications and engagement priorities within the established communications strategy, brand framework and campaign timelines, maintaining a practical communications calendar and managing day-to-day implementation
• Plan, create and schedule content across Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and LinkedIn
• Maintain consistent application of the Foundation's brand, tone of voice and key messaging across communications, and ensure external suppliers work within established brand guidelines across the Foundation's three key brands: Geelong Community Foundation, P500 and the Geelong Women's Impact Collective
• Develop and distribute newsletters and EDMs across the Foundation's three key brands and support other campaigns as required
• Maintain and update the Foundation's website with timely, accurate and engaging content
• Support paid digital activity and liaise with external digital specialists where required
• Work with the Program & Impact Manager to identify and develop compelling stories that demonstrate the impact of the Foundation's grant-making and community partnerships
• Interview grant partners, donors and other stakeholders and develop content for web, social media, EDMs, annual reporting and campaigns
• Develop media releases, feature stories and other media content to promote the Foundation's grants, donors, programs and impact
• Coordinate the end-to-end development and production of the Foundation's Annual Report

About you

• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills across a range of audiences and channels
• Strong working capability in Canva to adapt templates and produce high-quality day-to-day digital and communications collateral within established brand guidelines
• Demonstrated experience managing social media accounts and creating and scheduling engaging content across Meta and LinkedIn
• Experience producing newsletters and electronic direct mail, preferably using Mailchimp or a similar platform
• Experience maintaining website content through WordPress or another CMS
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently
• Ability to translate organisational priorities and complex information into clear, engaging communications
• Confidence working collaboratively with colleagues, community organisations, donors, suppliers and other stakeholders
• Experience coordinating external creative suppliers such as photographers, videographers, designers or digital specialists
• Current drivers licence and access to a vehicle

Hours, Salary and Contract Terms

This is a 0.8 FTE (4 days per week) position.

Salary: $87,500–$100,000 FTE + superannuation
Actual salary at 0.8 FTE: $70,000–$80,000 + superannuation

There is flexibility in how the four-day working week is structured. From time to time, attendance at key Foundation events may be required outside the agreed working days or usual business hours. Flexibility will be provided to accommodate these commitments within the employee’s working arrangements.

A vehicle allowance of $2,000 per annum will also be provided.

This is an 18-month maximum-term contract, commencing in January 2027 and concluding in July 2028, providing parental leave cover during a period of leave and progressive return to work.

Other Information

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Stefani Driscoll, Communications & Engagement Manager on 04•• ••• 386 to discuss the position and their experience.

A full position description is available on request.

Applications must be submitted via email to ••••@geelongfoundation.org and must include a cover letter and resume.

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 1 November.

Interviews will be undertaken in November with the expectation of having contracts signed in early December and the succesful candidate commencing in mid-January 2027.