IGEA is hiring a Policy and Communications Officer

POSITION DESCRIPTION – POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

About IGEA

The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) is the non-profit industry association representing and advocating for the video games industry in Australia and New Zealand, including the developers (in Australia only), publishers and distributors of video games, as well as the makers of gaming platforms, consoles and devices. IGEA has over a hundred members, from emerging independent studios to some of the world’s largest technology companies.

IGEA’s responsibilities include advocacy, media and government relations, as well as industry research and data collection. IGEA also provides a range of services for its members and the broader industry, including organising the annual Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) conference for Australian game developers and the Australian Game Developer Awards (AGDAs).

More information on IGEA and our work can be found on our website at igea.net.

About the role

We are seeking a Policy and Communications Officer to join and support the IGEA team.  Under the direction and guidance of senior staff, the Officer will:

• Undertake a range of policy, advocacy, communications, media, research and other tasks.
• Monitor the media and the political, policy, legal and regulatory landscape, keeping the team updated and suggesting courses of action.
• Develop policy positions and advocacy strategies by researching issues and liaising with members and stakeholders.
• Research and write submissions, policy statements and letters to government.
• Organise meetings, roundtables, briefings and events, including with members or government.
• Manage and draft communications to members and stakeholders, including policy briefings, organisational updates and member newsletters.
• Draft public communications including media releases, blog posts and social media posts.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with members, stakeholders (including government and other industry groups), the media and organisational partners (eg. PR and GR firms).
• Other activities to support the team as expected of all the staff of our small organisation.

Depending on the specific responsibilities and tasks, the Officer will report to two managers:

• For policy and government-related work, to the Director of Policy & Government Affairs.
• For media and communications work, to the Chief Operating Officer.

About the preferred candidate

The successful Policy and Communications Officer will be a dynamic and versatile team player with strong analytical and communications skills.

The Officer will possess all or most of the following attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant policy or communications experience, such as:
  • Government or political experience, or experience in a policy, legal or government-facing role in a company, industry body, NGO or in civil society.
  • Professional media, social media or corporate communications experience.
• A demonstrated interest in video games and in technology or arts policy.
• The ability to write persuasively, succinctly and for different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a team.
• Project management experience, the ability to manage multiple tasks and strong attention to detail.

The Officer’s role is full-time, although we are open to flexible and part-time arrangements if preferred by the successful applicant.

The Officer will need to be based in Sydney and while we have a flexible work-from-home policy, the successful candidate should expect to spend at least a portion of their work-week in our physical office located in the South Eveleigh technology precinct.

The successful applicant will need to be vaccinated against COVID in line with the Australian Government’s guidance.

IMPORTANT

IGEA is an equal opportunity employer and we prioritise diversity, equality and inclusion.

We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and we particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently underrepresented in the games industry, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, skin colour, sex, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, age, physical or mental disability, neurodivergence, pronouns, national origin or any other basis.

How to apply

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to privacy@igea.net. Please also contact the same mailbox if you have any questions about the role and someone from the team will respond.

Applications are encouraged before COB 23 September.