The Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF) was founded in 2010 by World Marathon Champion and current Foundation Director, Robert de Castella AO MBE.  IMF is a National Health Promotion Charity that strives for a reconciled, unified, and healthy Australia.  IMF supports and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, strength, and achievements, through running (and walking). IMF has four key programs – the Indigenous Marathon Project, IMF Running and Walking groups (RAW), Indigenous Communities for Activity and Nutrition (ICAN) and FrontRunners. More information about IMF and our programs can be found on our website, imf.org.au .

Demand for IMF services is growing, and IMF is increasingly strategically driving a strong narrative to position IMF in delivery of its mission of a unified, reconciled and healthy Australia. Due to maternity leave, IMF has an opportunity for a strong communications and media professional to lead IMF’s communications across digital, social, and traditional media.

IMF is seeking an energetic person with excellent communications and media skills, and who holds a passion for health, fitness, and First Nations Australia, to manage delivery of IMF’s communications and media. IMF seeks to recruit First Nations staff whenever possible, however the position is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants.

Duties and responsibilities

The IMF Communications and Media Manager is responsible for the positioning, promotion, communication, marketing & public relations of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation and its programs. They will also develop and implement IMF’s marketing and communications strategy and programs, and proactively manage media relations.

The role is full time for a period of up to 12 months and includes Corporate Affairs activity and liaison and involvement with key IMF partners, funders and donors.

The position is preferably Canberra based and works with Indigenous people and communities around Australia, media, event organisers, the running community, IMF sponsors and corporate partners, companies, and organisations, as well as with State, Territory and Commonwealth Governments and Departments.  Key is the ability to position IMF’s narrative to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and importantly to the 97% of non-Indigenous Australians.

The role will work directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities. The ability to easily and authentically connect with, interview, talk with, and navigate their stories sensitively is crucial. It is also important to understand diverse media production and be able to be directly involved in production where required.  The role also has overall carriage for IMF’s social media including content development and moderation.

Work includes developing, writing and producing communications material for social, digital and traditional media, IMF’s website, electronic direct mail (edms), newsletters etc.

The position reports to the General Manager and works closely alongside IMF Founder and CEO Mr Robert de Castella and other IMF Program Managers, and the IMF Partnership, Philanthropy and Fundraising Manger.  

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant must have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification and experience;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies, including video and social and digital media;
• Demonstrated Corporate Affairs experience
• Proficiency and experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities
• Excellent writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to identify and foster key external relationships with event organisers, sponsors, corporates and community groups;
• Media communications skills including writing media releases;
• Working knowledge / experience in using an email marketing service advantageous to develop electronic newsletters, web forms and surveys;
• Excellent organisational, and event administration skills;
• Experience and ability in report writing and supporting grant submissions;
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Proficient in MS Office suite, confident in Word Press, Photoshop or similar digital editing software;
• Some proficiency in utilising a DSLR camera
• The ability to work independently, and be an integral part of a small and dedicated team;
• A good understanding of and a passion for health and fitness;
• A passion and a desire to make a difference, be an energetic, confident, 100% reliable, bright and innovative, and a people person.

Key Working Relationships:

• IMF Partnerships, Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager
• IMF General Manager
• IMF National Health & Education Fitness Manager
• IMF Design Manager
• IMF IT Manager   
• IMP Head Coach, and Assistant Coach
• IMF Founder and CEO
• IMF Regional Manager (Northern)
• IMF Regional Manager (Southern)

The role is dynamic in nature and may require domestic travel into regional and remote areas across Australia, and some international travel from time to time. There will be times when this role is required to work outside of normal working hours with time in lieu for work outside of normal hours.

Role location

The role is preferred (but not essential) to be in Canberra (ACT).

Remuneration

We are offering a competitive remuneration package for the correct candidate along with the associated FBT packaging benefits of working for a health promotion charity. IMF also offers five weeks annual leave, and an additional one week’s cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.