Ntpa Strategic Communications, Research And Policy Officer

NTPA Strategic Communications, Research and Policy Officer
The NTPA Strategic Communications, Research and Policy Officer is accountable for the development and implementation of communication strategies that actively build member and key stakeholder engagement and promote the Association's image as a dynamic, relevant and united representative body with a strong focus on the interest of its members.
The NTPA Strategic Communications, Research and Policy Officer plays a critical role in driving strategic communications, media outreach, and policy development, lobbying and advocacy efforts to enhance the public profile of the NTPA and support the interests and advocacy of our members.
Strategic Communications & Media Engagement
• Develop and implement an integrated and comprehensive media, policy, and communication strategy that aligns with NTPA's objectives, while promoting the Association's activities and advocacy, and shaping a positive public perception of the Association and its members.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local media professionals to increase the visibility and impact of our work and act as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries, as well as facilitating accurate and favorable coverage of NTPA's activities, initiatives, and viewpoints.
• Coordinate media inquiries, in consultation with the NTPA President and draft briefing notes and key talking points for members of the Executive and Regional Delegates.
• Develop and implement engaging content, including press releases, op-eds, campaigns, and multimedia materials, that effectively communicate NTPA's key messages.
• Prepare high-level correspondence and material including briefings, reports, statements, position and discussion papers, media and communication materials, speeches, submissions, and documents for publication.
• Ensure consistency and alignment of messages across various communication channels, including traditional media, social media, and internal communications.
• Regularly monitor media coverage and public sentiment related to law and order, NT policing issues, and the NTPA's activities, while utilizing data and insights to refine communication strategies and adjust messaging as needed.
• Plan and execute public relations events, press conferences, and media briefings to showcase NTPA's initiatives, milestones, and policy advocacy efforts.
• React swiftly and adeptly to potential crises, developing strategic crisis communication plans that safeguard NTPA's reputation and deliver clear, transparent messaging to the public, media, and stakeholders.
• Provide media training and guidance to NTPA spokespersons, ensuring they are well-prepared to communicate key messages accurately and confidently during interviews and public appearances.
• Oversee all briefings to external suppliers on matters of brand and/or communication platform updates.
Research and Policy Analysis
• Undertake comprehensive research to support evidence-based policy development, strategic communications, and advocacy efforts.
• Monitor legislative changes, proposals, and emerging issues impacting law enforcement and public safety.
• Evaluate existing policies, legislative frameworks, and industry standards, while staying updated with emerging issues, debates, and developments in the law enforcement and NT policing sector.
• Proactively identify opportunities for NTPA's engagement and advocacy to drive positive change and advance member interests.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to guide NTPA's response to legislative changes and advocacy efforts.
• Prepare clear and concise policy briefs communicating research findings, implications, and recommended actions to NTPA leadership and stakeholders.
Internal Communications, Social Media, and NT Police News magazine
• Draft Association success stories for inclusion in various forms of media, including but not limited to NTPA eNewsletters, Member Alerts, Industrial Alerts NT Police News magazine, and social media.
• Draft and upload content for the Association's website including fact sheets, newsletters, bulletins, journals, and general content in association with external provider/s.
• Draft and circulate all weekly eNewsletters, Members Alerts, and Industrial updates.
• Ensure the NTPA's social media platforms are proactively maintained, promote the Association's activities, and seek community support for any trending issues.
• Liaise with the NTPA President/NT Police News Editor and contributors to prepare and coordinate the quarterly edition of the NT Police News by collecting relevant information and drafting articles as required.
• Attend events, such as Police College graduations and NTPA Regional meetings, to capture high-quality photos and visual content, personal stories, and anecdotes from members to utilize in NT Police News, social media, and internal communications.
• Organise and catalogue media materials and related documents for inclusion in the NT Police News magazine, ensuring they are properly archived for future reference.
Key Stakeholder Interaction
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with all staff members, Executive (Board) members, and Regional Delegates in order to identify opportunities for positive Public Relations and to gain insights into trending and emerging issues in the industry.
• Maintain effective work relationships with the National, State, and Territory Associations to ensure a coordinated media and communication approach to matters of national significance, contributing to a unified and impactful advocacy strategy.
• Develop and maintain a professional and positive relationship with media contacts in support of the Association's communication strategy and positive PR, amplifying the voice of the NTPA.
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with external stakeholders relevant to the role, including Police Force and relevant government department personnel to facilitate informed collaborations, policy discussions, and advocacy efforts.
Event Management, Corporate Partners and Sponsorship
• Assist in the facilitation and coordination of major events and the NTPA Annual Conference, with a focus on overarching themes and messages that align with the Association's goals and priorities, liaising with guest speakers, panelists, and presenters, promoting events and the NTPA Annual Conference through various channels, including social media, press releases, and communication material – ensuring that events are tailored to engage NTPA members and provide them with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
• Manage the NTPA's Corporate Partners and sponsors across all Association-related activities to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership, and their engagement aligns with the Association's goals.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain corporate partnerships with local, national, and international companies as part of the NTPA's Member Benefits Program, alongside the Police Federation of Australia (PFA) to ensure consistency.
• Proactively seek opportunities for sponsorship support that align with the Association's strategic goals, driving mutual benefits that will contribute to the Association's growth and impact.
Record keeping and Administration
• Develop comprehensive communication policies, guidelines, and manuals that streamline and coordinate professional communications and marketing activities.
• Undertake general administration activities that support the overall success of the Association.
• Develop formal reports for presentation to the Executive at each meeting, present reports to the Executive as required, providing context, insights, and recommendations, and provide out-of-session updates to the Executive as needed.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive briefs for third-party suppliers involved in communication-related services, such as communication consultancies.
• Capture images during road trips and events to visually document Association activities.
Qualification Requirements
• Tertiary qualification in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Corporate Affairs, Public Policy or related field (or equivalent experience).
Core Competency Requirements
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and relatable manner, while engaging with stakeholders at all levels including executives, law enforcement professionals, media representatives, or the public.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of local and national media, communication, events, and public relations functions, including relevant media outlets.
• Thorough understanding of the NT political and public sector system.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a flexible and responsive manner to support team objectives, identify risks and opportunities, and to interact as an engaged, effective team member.
• Ability to prepare media releases and statements that convey key messages succinctly and effectively.
• Strong research skills and ability to apply analytical skills to strategic communication planning.
• Proficient technical skills in computer applications including Adobe Creative, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and other relevant production and software technologies.
• Ability to think creatively and conceptualize content in innovative ways, while coordinating multiple projects to meet strict deadlines.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality while managing classified, restricted, or politically sensitive information.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of policies and principles relating to equal employment opportunity programs and occupational health, safety, and welfare.
Reporting Relationships
• The position reports to the President of the Northern Territory Police Association.
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