Communications Officer

at; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A non-profit organization supporting public education in Western Australia seeks a part-time Communications Officer. This role focuses on managing communications, crafting high-quality content, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in communications and exceptional writing skills, along with a degree in a related field. The position offers flexible working options across 4–5 days.

Qualifications

• 3+ years prior experience in communications or stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for clarity and impact.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute promotional and communications campaigns.
• Manage WACSSO's communications channels, including social media.
• Write and publish WACSSO eNews and P&C Voice publications.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Social media management

Writing and editing

Visual design skills

Education

Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or graphic design

Tools

Canva

Microsoft Office

Content management systems

Wordpress

Job description

Overview

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO) represents 650 affiliated P&Cs across Western Australia. We are the voice of parents and citizens, positively influencing the direction of education so that every student has the best opportunity to realise their potential. We believe every student in Western Australia should have access to the best education possible.

For over a century, we have worked passionately with school organisations across this state to improve the public education system - all the while never losing sight of a simple principle: that we are stronger together. We work every day to build the individual capacity of all of our affiliates – empowering them through a number of support services, knowledge-sharing and learning opportunities. Together with the P&C community and all our stakeholders, we will work tirelessly to advance public education in Western Australia, so that every student has the best chance to realise their potential.

To support our mission, we are currently seeking a part-time (0.8 FTE) Communications Officer to join our team.

About the Role

We are looking for a positive, self-motivated individual who will thrive in a culture that encourages innovative thinking to continuously improve our approach, someone who shares our values of being collaborative, passionate, fearless, skilled and agile to deliver results. We are committed to building a diverse, cohesive team where employees are valued for their ideas, background, skills and life experiences.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the President, the Communications Officer will manage the communications function for the business with hands-on responsibility for content, media, digital platforms and stakeholder messaging.

The role includes a component of research and advocacy submission writing, as well as a clear focus on delivering high-quality content across multiple channels - including eNews, P&C Voice, our website, resource development and social media.

This is a 0.8 FTE role, preferably worked across 4–5 days per week with 0.6 FTE and full time options also considered. Occasional work outside of typical business hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute promotional and communications campaigns.
• Coordinate and manage WACSSO’s communications channels, including social media, website and publications.
• Write, coordinate and publish the WACSSO eNews and P&C Voice publications, and other core WACSSO resources.
• Oversee fulfilment of grant, partner and advertising communications obligations.
• Manage, maintain and grow WACSSO collateral and image library.
• Professionally brief and manage external vendors to achieve organisational goals.
• Advocate, promote and communicate WACSSO policy positions and research.
• Maintain consistency of tone, brand and style across all communication touchpoints.
• Provide strategic and operational communications support to the Chief Executive Officer and President, including key stakeholder coordination.
• Represent WACSSO on panels when requested, ensuring alignment with policy positions.
• Communication, public relations, and media support.
• Prepare background papers, briefings, and reports.
• Monitor for submission opportunities, research (including flash member surveys), coordinate, draft and submit papers.
• Monitor and report on digital and campaign performance using engagement and analytics data.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers (e.g. printers, designers, media).
• Budget management and reporting.

What you will bring

• 3+ years prior experience in a communications, stakeholder engagement or similar role.
• Knowledge in the best practices of managing social media channels including Facebook, LinkedIn etc.
• Strong communicator who works well independently and with a team.
• Ability to communicate with empathy and clarity in the voice of WACSSO’s primary audience – parents, carers and P&C members.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to represent the organisation with professionalism and alignment to policy.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills - able to craft engaging, accurate content and refine copy for clarity, tone, and impact.
• Strong visual design skills - able to design and assess layouts for consistency and balance, use white space strategically, and select images that support and elevate key messages.
• Superior time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects and campaigns simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Canva for content design and visual asset creation.
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts.
• Proficient in Teams, Microsoft Office and content management systems.
• Knowledge of digital marketing tactics, such as SEO and email marketing.
• Ability to collect, analyse and present data.
• Knowledge of Wordpress and Memberpress
• Knowledge of Sharepoint
• Understanding of the WA public education environment or not-for-profit sector.
• Experience producing printed and digital publications.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, graphic design or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Eligibility to work in Australia.
• National Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain).

How to Apply

Please click the Apply Now button and attach your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. We are looking for someone to start immediately. For more information about WACSSO, visit www.wacsso.wa.edu.au