Communications Coordinator

Purpose

This position is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Communications department.

It is an exciting time for Rugby in Australia – with the Paris Olympic Games this year, the British & Irish Lions Tour and the women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, and home Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.

This position will play a critical role in the running of Rugby Australia’s communications function – responsible for match day media operations and event management, accreditation, internal communications, media monitoring, content and social media management, publishing and distribution.

In addition to these areas, this role will also be required to contribute to the communications function across all areas of the Rugby Australia business, including the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Sevens, Super Rugby, community rugby, corporate and operational support.

The successful candidate will be highly organised and enthusiastic, with an understanding of communications, media and/or journalism principles. In return, this role presents an ideal opportunity for an aspiring communications professional to learn and grow into a business – and especially within a national sporting organisation.

Key Accountabilities

Media Operations

• Responsible for the media accreditation process for journalists and photographers – across both local and international events
• Manage all media operations for RA events, working closely with other internal departments to deliver a seamless experience
• Manage the media accreditation process for all relevant Rugby events – both in Australia and internationally
• Own the media contact database and distribution process

Internal Communications

• Develop and execute robust internal communications processes – including communications updates such as newsletters, and distribution of external communications to internal stakeholders
• Develop and maintain effective and positive relationships with key internal stakeholders, and manage requests from within the business
• As a trusted business partner/adviser to internal stakeholders, identify proactive internal communication opportunities, and develop plans to execute these opportunities

External Communication 

• Writing – media releases and other communications
• Distribution of media releases and other external communications
• Contribute to Rugby AU corporate publications, including the Annual Report

Measurement & Evaluation 

• Media monitoring – the “go-to” resource for media monitoring and analysis within the business, providing insights and input to strategic development within the communications department

Administration

• Administrative and operational support for the communications department, ensuring its efficient operation
• Provide support to the broader communications department in the execution of communications plans across all areas of the business.
• Provide communications support to internal stakeholders and departments

Capabilities, Experience & Qualification Requirements

Capabilities

Required

• Excellent organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills – with good attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in writing press releases, social media copy
• Understanding of communications, media and/or journalism principles
• A problem solver
• Proactive, enthusiastic, inquisitive
• Demonstrates a customer service mentality
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills – ability to positively contribute to other work streams
• Comfortable working with senior colleagues and external stakeholders
• Manages change positively and confidently, and responds quickly to changing priorities

Desired

• Graphic design skills, i.e. Photoshop, Canva
• Understanding of Rugby and/or the Australian sporting landscape will be advantageous

Experience

Required

• 2-3 years of experience in communications, public relations or journalism
• Experience in sport highly regarded, but not essential

Qualification Requirements

Required

• University degree in communications or journalism

Please apply by emailing your cover letter and CV to ***************@rugby.com.au by April 8, 2024.