Australian Jewish Democratic Society
Position Description – Community Organiser (AJDS – CO)
Introduction
The Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS) is a member-driven organisation that supports social justice, human rights and non-violent conflict resolution with a particular interest in the Israel/Palestinian conflict. We are a progressive voice among Jews and a Jewish voice among progressives’. We offer a considered and sometimes alternative viewpoint in the Jewish and wider community.
The AJDS was formed in 1984 to promote free discussion on Jewish and general community and political issues. Specifically, it grew out of a profound concern at the continuing Israel/Palestine conflict. Today our work often concentrates on the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, climate change, feminism and Indigenous justice issues.
For more information, explore our website at www.ajds.org.au.
The Community Organiser’s role is to support the Executive to implement plans, build membership, disseminate information and increase the organisation’s profile.
Key focus of the Position
- to enhance the profile of the AJDS within the Jewish and general community, through building relationships and organising events
- to resource and educate the Executive and the membership through research, strategic planning and consultation with key stakeholders
- to manage the day to day business of the AJDS, organise events and share information with AJDS members and the wider community
- To recruit and involve younger Jews (under 40) to the AJDS, and assist the executive in developing intergenerational relationships amongst AJDS members, assuring the longevity and relevance of the organisation
Key Responsibilities
Duties/Roles
The AJDS CO will be responsible for working with the Executive and the Web Editor to fulfil the following functions:
Administrative
- Ensuring that minutes, agendas and other relevant documents are circulated to the executive and members as appropriate, and existing documents are effectively archived.
- Managing communications generally including responding to correspondence, queries and informing the membership as required.
Networking and relationship building
- Building strategic relationships with relevant local and international organisations, parties and individuals to further the aims of AJDS.
- Maintaining strong relationships with AJDS members and encouraging and facilitating members active involvement with AJDS discussions and activities.
Information dissemination
- Consulting with the Web Editor on AJDS communications and assisting in sourcing material for the AJDS quarterly newsletter. Posting out the quarterly newsletter to members without email.
- Sending regular updates on AJDS activities, articles, videos and upcoming events of interest to both members and supporters via Mailchimp. Supporting AJDS’s online activity including website and facebook in consultation with the executive and the Web Editor.
Project development and Fundraising
- In consultation with the executive devising new initiatives and campaigns, developing action plans and involving members in implementation.
- In consultation with the Executive and the Web Editor, organising an ongoing fundraising strategy.
Event organising
- AJDS hosts a range of events including forums, discussion evenings, social events, fundraisers and membership meetings. The CO will be responsible for organising these events.
Other
- In consultation with the Executive, writing articles, letters, press releases and communicating with media and stakeholders.
- Overseeing, in consultation with the Executive, ongoing archiving processes and projects.
- Other tasks as required. As an evolving position, other duties may fall into this role as is negotiated between the executive and the CO. The position description may therefore need to be updated three-monthly for the first six months, in collaboration with the CO.
Key Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated experience in community organising and/or community development
- Computer literacy & capacity to use online databases, email marketing services, content management systems and social media
- Tertiary qualifications in community development and/or related discipline preferred
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice and social justice
- Proven experience in the design, implementation and management of community development projects/programs including fundraising
- A solid understanding of issues relating to Israel/Palestine, human rights and social justice and the local Jewish community
- Proven ability to understand and analyse issues and trends relevant to AJDS
- Ability to foster collaboration and partnerships through high level interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
- The capacity to connect with and draw in potential new AJDS members.
- The capacity to articulate clear and persuasive messages about key issues
- Experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Capacity to work with a volunteer executive in a flexible manner, and to work independently
Relationships and Accountabilities
Reports to: AJDS Executive appointed liaison person
Salary and Conditions
This is a 1-year fixed term position of between 15 – 20 hrs/week with the possibility of becoming ongoing, subject to funds and evaluation outcome. There is a three month probation period.
This position is classified as Community Development Worker Class III, Level 6, Pay Point 1 under the Modern Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010. Salary will be negotiated up to a maximum of $65,000 pro rata + 9.25% super depending on qualifications and experience. The AJDS CO will be expected to provide their own office space and an allowance will be made for reasonable costs incurred.
This position description may be adjusted by mutual agreement as the role evolves, subject to 3 monthly reviews.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and a statement addressing key selection criteria. Please submit an electronic application to Jordy Silverstein, [email protected].
For more information, please contact [email protected]
Applications to be received by 5pm, December 19th, 2014.