The Uniting Church in Australia (the Church) is a large uniquely Australian Christian denomination in Australia with heritage from historical reformed evangelical denominations. In Queensland, the Uniting Church has around 250 congregations and has early childhood, schools, colleges and large community services (such as UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission Queensland).
The Uniting Church is multicultural, committed to reconciliation with First Peoples, calls for reconciliation across its communities and aims to use its people and property resources wisely and in the furtherance of God’s mission in the world.
Position Purpose:
The purpose of this role is to provide strategic brand, marketing and communications advice that supports the reputation, engagement, growth and renewal of the Uniting Church in Queensland. The role translates Synod priorities into clear, audience-focused communication, content and digital strategies, using insight, planning and evaluation to strengthen connection with church communities, partners and the broader public. The role also leads the planning, editorial direction and delivery of the Church’s bi-annual printed publication as a key storytelling, engagement and brand reputation channel.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide strategic communications advice to internal stakeholders, helping translate complex organisational priorities, projects and issues into clear, audience-focused messaging and engagement approaches.
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Engage in research, analysis and human-centred design to inform effective brand, marketing, communication and digital strategies to support the UCA in Queensland and its enterprises.
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Develop and implement effective communication and marketing plans including budget development and management (excluding the operational performance marketing plans for the Enterprises)
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Consult with Synod Office expert teams, Enterprises and Presbyteries/Congregations across the wider Church to identify brand, communications and marketing objectives, and content requirements - these include but are not limited to:
- stakeholder engagement
- change communications
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integrated campaign planning
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brand storytelling and messaging
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digital channel strategy
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content strategy
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media and issues support
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reputation management
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internal communications
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event communications
- Lead the end-to-end planning, editorial coordination, production and distribution of the bi-annual printed publication, ensuring it supports Synod priorities, strengthens connection across the Church, and tells stories that build engagement, trust and shared identity.
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Oversee the Synod Office’s digital presence, including website content strategy, user experience improvements, digital governance and supplier coordination.
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In collaboration with the General Manager Brand, Communications & External Relations, develop and maintain relationships and communities of practice across communications, media and brand messaging with UCA agencies, other Synods and Assembly. This may also extend across the broader faith community and organisations.
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Initiate and maintain a range of external supplier/vendor partnerships through approved procurement processes – including contract initiation, oversight and performance management.
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Create, maintain and report on marketing and communications workflow and performance metrics across relevant platforms and systems, extracting key insights for future campaign development, communications and engagement strategies.
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Identify and develop strategies to provide internal and external client focused customer service including improvements to policy, process, systems, data and the work environment.
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Model the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in day to day work including in interactions with managers, lay staff, ministry agents, clients and stakeholders.
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Work within the Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety and other relevant legislation, including reporting hazards/incidents, support for injured workers and full participation in return to work plans.
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Undertake other duties as and when directed within the scope of the role and the capabilities of the incumbent.
Key Accountabilitys (KPIs):
- Strategy & planning – designing & delivering communications, digital and marketing campaign and initiative plans in line with over-arching Synod strategy
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Publication and content channel performance – effective planning, delivery and evaluation of the bi-annual printed publication and related content channels, with evidence of audience engagement, quality storytelling and alignment with Synod priorities.
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Operational service delivery - Implement operational plan initiatives and activities to achieve targeted outcomes within quality levels, budget and timeframes.
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Budget management - manage project and campaign budgets to target.
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Team contribution & leadership – demonstrated commitment to Synod collaborative team, Secretariat & communications team coaching and mentoring as a senior specialist.
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Stakeholder engagement – high levels of stakeholder trust, commitment and satisfaction.
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Risk & Compliance - ensure that sufficient risk management and controls are in place to manage risks and compliance obligations.
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Comply with delegations of the Office of the Synod where delegations have been permanently or temporarily assigned to the position.
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Maintain alignment with the Office of the Synod purpose, culture and values (values referenced under additional requirements).
Reporting relationship and delegations:
Selection Criteria:
Qualifications:
- Degree level in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field or equivalent experience
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Relevant professional development or membership in communications, public relations, marketing or related professional bodies will be well regarded.
Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, brand, stakeholder engagement, content strategy or integrated campaign planning.
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Demonstrated ability to provide strategic communications advice, develop messaging and engagement plans, and support leaders or stakeholders through complex, sensitive or high-profile communication needs.
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Demonstrated experience managing publications, editorial calendars or major content projects, including coordinating contributors, suppliers, production timelines and distribution.
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Experience in working with external suppliers.
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Digital marketing and social media campaign experience.
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Human centred design and user experience capability and orientation.
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Demonstrated ability to manage the expectations of internal clients in a pressured environment.
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Be personable with a commitment to building strong relationships with key stakeholders/customers across the Church and its agencies, boards and committees of the Synod.
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Demonstrated attention to detail, timeliness, analytical and focussed on outcomes.
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Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing with others and manage competing views.
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Demonstrated ability to act with impartiality and honesty.
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Commitment to working within the purpose and values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod and adhering to the policies, organisational requirements and processes.
Additional Requirements:
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Current drivers’ licence – Presentation of a current drivers’ licence must be made before your appointment to the position can be confirmed.
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Occasional inter/intra state travel, working out of hours, and attendance at Synod in Session.
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The successful applicant must be eligible to legally work in Australia and proof of eligibility may be requested.
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Behave in accordance with the values of the Synod Office.
