POSITION
DESCRIPTION
Title:
Communications & Fundraising Officer
Area/Group:
Scientific Support Group
Reporting to:
Communications Manager & Fundraising Manager
Direct report
Fundraising Manager
Date Last Updated:
June 2015
Supervisory
responsibilities
Financial delegation
and/or budget
responsibilities
Nil
Nil
1.
About the Hudson Institute
Hudson Institute of Medical Research (formerly MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research) is
an NHMRC accredited, not-for-profit, independent medical research institute which resulted
from the 2014 merger of two of Australia’s most trusted names in medical research, Monash
Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and Prince Henry’s Institute (PHI).
The opportunities that this combined Institute represents are truly exceptional as the
Institute takes its place as one of Melbourne’s top medical research Institutes, with a
combined 75 years of research experience, more than 450 leading researchers and
postgraduate students, an annual budget of more than $45m and state-of-the-art research
platforms and facilities.
Hudson Institute’s world-class scientists and clinicians are at the forefront of discovery and
translational research, striving to improve health and quality of life across the entire lifespan
by advancing healthcare through an increased understanding of disease and its diagnosis,
treatment and prevention.
Our excellence in biology, medicine and biotechnology is strengthened by the Institute’s
diverse, multidisciplinary research environment which fosters collaboration and creates
opportunities for unique insights and innovation.
The merging of the two Institutes comes at a crucial point, with the opening of a new, $84
million, state-of-the-art Translational Research Facility in September 2015, with its Monash
Health Translation Precinct (MHTP) partners Monash Health and Monash University. The
facility will co-locate research, clinical and technological platforms to allow the Institute’s
researchers to effectively leverage the practical knowledge of clinical colleagues to ensure
the most pressing diseases are being investigated and to convert their ground-breaking
discoveries into patient treatments. This vision for an end-to-end story of health innovation
will transform the Institute’s research capability, allowing its researchers to make a far
greater impact on health.
Under the guidance of CEO and Director, Professor Bryan Williams, Board Chair, Dr Robert
Edgar and the Hudson Institute Board, the Institute drives innovative, cutting-edge research
programs through its six-specialised research centres, which seek to respond to Australia’s
key health priorities.
 Cancer
 Genetic Disease
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Immunity, Inflammation and Infectious Diseases
Reproductive Health
Fetal, Neonatal and Children’s Health
Endocrinology and Metabolism
2.
Purpose of Position
This position forms part of the Communications and Fundraising team, which includes the
Fundraising Manager, Communications Manager and Communications and Fundraising
Officer. The team works collaboratively to ensure continuous development and
implementation of integrated marketing, communications, and fundraising initiatives to
enhance stakeholder, community and corporate engagement and support. Working closely
with key stakeholders and research and support staff across the Institute, this role will
implement public relations, media, fundraising and internal communications activities in
alignment with the Institute’s strategic goals and objectives.
Reporting to the Fundraising Manager, the Communications and Fundraising Officer will be
expected to contribute to activities to raise income including the Institute’s annual giving
program and events.
Working closely with Communications Manager the Communications and Fundraising
Officer is responsible for providing support to the communications function in the
development and distribution of Hudson Institute publications, website management, internal
communications and management of a range of external events.
3.
Key Responsibility Areas
Hudson Institute fundraising programs
Supporting the Fundraising Manager in their fundraising activities such as annual appeals,
donor stewardship and key supporter group development.
Supporting the Fundraising Manager in the execution of the Institute’s annual appeal
program including the production and distribution of appeal materials to donors.
Database management, gift processing and donor acknowledgement
Updating of donor records in the DonMan database and acknowledgement of donors in a
timely manner.
Managements of donor reports, mailing lists and other information in a timely manner.
Management of regular givers ensuring they receive accurate and timely communication.
Event coordination
Coordination of fundraising events, including promotion of events, ensuring key internal and
external stakeholders are involved in the event as necessary.
In liaison with the Communications Manager and the Fundraising Manager, coordinate
potential donor meetings, Institute Discovery Tours, major donor and VIP visits, and other
events.
Assist to liaise with external partners including Monash Health and Monash University to
deliver and manage cross campus media events, as well as precinct announcements and
community or political engagement as needed.
Liaise with external marketing suppliers regarding promotional materials.
Assist with the provision of briefings, and speaking notes for the Director and assigned
delegates prior to internal events as needed.
2
Attend regular scientific presentations, forums and events to maintain awareness of current
scientific activities and progress.
Internal Communications
Coordinate and send weekly internal Institute e-news and shared Institute calendar.
Hudson Institute Intranet content, including the development of processes to ensure
information from Institute staff and students is updated on to the website and intranet in a
timely manner.
In liaison with the Communications Manager coordinate photographers and graphic
designers for projects.
Management of external and internal enquiry email inboxes.
Provide communications advice and support to research staff to enhance communication of
Hudson Institute research to a variety of audiences, including assisting with development of
presentations, summaries, Hudson Institute biographies and application essays as required
External Communications
In liaison with the Communications Manager update and maintain our website and ensure
the websites of partnering organisations are also updated.
In liaison with the Communications Manager and Fundraising Manager identify publicity
opportunities for donors to the Institute.
Assist the Communications Manager with the development of content for a suite of
marketing collateral, such as newsletters, brochures, annual reports, social media and web
articles to enhance engagement and communication of Hudson Institute research and key
messaging with key stakeholders, donors and interest groups.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Essential
A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (i.e. public relations, communications,
marketing and/or fundraising) or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or
education and training.
Proven ability to establish effective and efficient work practices with a high degree of
attention to detail.
Well-developed communications skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with a
proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal and
external stakeholders.
Demonstrated skills and experience in establishing priorities, meeting deadlines, whilst
working under pressure.
Demonstrated conceptual and analytical problem solving skills along with the ability to
develop creative solutions to complex problems and business requirements.
Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team, but also independently under general
direction when required.
Experience in the use of databases with proficiency in current business software
applications.
3
Experience in event management.
Desirable
An understanding of the research environment within a clinical organisation or Health
Service, a Faculty of Medicine or Biosciences, or its research Centres and Institutes.
Experience in the use of Donor Management database.
Experience in web management.
OTHER JOB RELATED INFORMATION:
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4.
Travel, within Australia, as required.
Work outside of normal business hours may be required.
Possession of a current Victorian Driver’s License is desirable.
The timing of annual leave may be affected by the potential cyclical requirements of
the role.
Endorsement
Name:
(Employee)
Signed:
Date:
______/____/______
Date:
______/______/____
Date:
______/______/____
Name: (Supervisor)
Signed:
Name: (HR Officer)
Christina Matisons
Signed:
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