Job Description
DASSH is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment for all staff. We offer flexible work arrangements that can help you balance your work and other responsibilities. Our office is based in Canberra and hybrid work is encouraged with the option to work from home full time. DASSH offers generous superannuation of 17 per cent. This role is .8 FTE or 28 hours per week.This is a permanent role.
About DASSHDASSH represents about 250 Deans, and Associate and Deputy Deans, from 44 universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Our members lead schools and faculties that teach tens of thousands of students and several thousand scholars in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences disciplines.
DASSH advocates for our disciplines and for greater equality and representation in higher education through engagement with media, government, the community, members and other organisations in the Australasian region.
We partner with national and international organisations, work closely with bodies such as the Australian Research Council and the Learned Academies and enjoy relationships with experts and leaders from the higher education sector around the world.
We support our members, through networking events, professional development opportunities, an annual conference and briefings and communications.
Since its inception in 2001 the role and function of DASSH has changed over time and in the past two years the focus has been on raising the profile of the organisation, our members and our disciplines through increased external engagement.
DASSH is a small organisation led by an Executive Director and a voluntary Board comprised of Deans from around Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. About the roleThe Policy and Communications Officer will play a key role in achieving DASSH’s goal of increasing its advocacy efforts and research output. Their main function will be to research and write policy submissions, to conduct research projects under the guidance of the Executive Director and to write communications material that supports the work of the organisation.
This is an opportunity to grow your skills and knowledge with scope for helping shape and drive the research output and advocacy campaigns we deliver.
DASSH is a small organisation which means the nature for the role will evolve over time and all staff dedicate some time each week to delivering events, member engagement and keeping the website up to date. Key duties and responsibilitiesSupports the coordination and development of submissions, policy position statements, research briefs and other advocacy materials. Monitors State, national media and parliamentary proceedings to identify existing and emerging issues.Develops, writes, and edits communications materials (website posts, social media content, newsletter for example)Supports the Executive Director and key stakeholders in their communications with members Generates original ideas and innovative solutions through the provision of specialist know how and advice as appropriate.Sets priorities and monitors workflows and systems within an area of responsibility Innovates within own function and takes responsibility for outcomes, including the development of strategies and ideas.From time to time supports or coordinates meetings and assists in annual conference planning.Assists in maintaining the member database.Is proficient with Canva, Eventbrite, Mailchimp and Wordpress Skills and knowledge:Bachelor’s Degree with at least two years’ subsequent relevant experience. Experience in/knowledge of higher education policy Interest in advocating for the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Effective research and analysis skills (including quantitative and qualitative), needed to build an evidence base from which you will work.Aptitude for using social media with a focus on LinkedIn and developing online contentA flexible and adaptable approach, in order to respond to shifting priorities and an evolving external environment.Ability to innovate and take responsibility for outcomes.Demonstrated ability to set priorities and monitor workflows within own area of responsibility.Demonstrated capacity to organise work effectively and efficiently and deliver outputs in a timely manner.Demonstrated ability to work independently, follow established procedures with limited supervision and contribute positively to an effective team.Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsProven analytical and problem-solving capability.The position description is indicative of the initial expectation of the role and subject to changes to University goals and priorities, activities or focus of the job. Professional developmentDASSH commits to an annual professional development program to be devised between the President and Executive Director on an annual basis.
To apply please email jane.ryan@dassh.edu.au with your CV and a personal statement no longer than two pages long telling us why you are the best person for this role by Sunday 23 June. Applications made directly on LinkedIn will not be considered.
Please contact Executive Director Jane Ryan at jane.ryan@dassh.edu.au if you have any questions about the role.
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