COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP LEAD

MESS is looking for a communications strategist with a flair for creative content development and a passion for developing membership community.

ABOUT MESS

MESS is a globally unique, not-for-profit organisation which aims to be the centre of excellence for electronic sound culture. MESS oversees and provides public access to a collection of hundreds of electronic instruments which span the history of electronic sound, enabling all individuals to explore and create electronic sound and music. Our purpose is to foster creativity and connection and empower all people to live a creative life through music. 

MESS has recently moved to Fed Square, Melbourne’s creative heart, and this new role has been developed to support and drive this significant next step for the organisation.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The role has two strands, overseeing the communications strategy that supports MESS’s growth in its new location, and developing our membership community.

As communications lead, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications campaigns and social media management to enhance MESS’s brand visibility and audience engagement. As memberships lead, you will be responsible for furthering ways in which members can utilise MESS’s instrument collection, expanding our membership offerings and building the MESS community.  

Working within a small but dedicated team of artists and industry leaders, the role provides plenty of opportunity to develop your strategic and creative skills while seeing first hand the impact of the work you do. We are looking for someone who is an excellent communications strategist with a flair for creative content development, a passion for developing community and who thrives in a creative, purpose driven environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

• Develop and implement an annual communications plan to promote MESS’s key activities and messaging while enhancing brand consistency across digital platforms.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure alignment in messaging and strategic communications goals.
• Develop strategies to enhance MESS’s visibility and impact, focusing on audience engagement and outreach.
• Coordinate a monthly MESS e-newsletter and other one-off email campaigns as needed, using MailChimp.
• Provide strategic oversight for major communications campaigns, including fundraising, events, and program launches.
• Develop a comprehensive content calendar to ensure timely and consistent communication across all platforms.

Content Development

• Establish and maintain content development guidelines to ensure consistency and alignment with MESS’s brand identity.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create compelling, high-quality content that showcases MESS’s activities, programs, and impact.
• Conduct regular audits of existing content to ensure it aligns with current organisational objectives and brand standards.
• Monitor and manage photography and videography for events, ensuring content is suitable for the website and archive.

Graphic Design

• Design MESS materials in line with brand guidelines to ensure cohesive visual identity.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop design assets for key projects, including promotional materials, event collateral, and digital campaigns.
• Work closely with team members to ensure visual assets meet both functional and aesthetic goals.

Social Media Management

• Oversee and maintain MESS’s social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Develop a content strategy aligned with organisational and program objectives.
• Create, schedule, and post engaging photo, video, and design content.
• Implement systems for Studio staff to contribute to content creation.
• Monitor and refine the tone of social media and promotional materials to align with MESS’s brand identity.
• Expand MESS’s social media presence and audience engagement.

Website 

• Work with our external website support providers to:
• Maintain the website to support MESS operations with a focus on providing a high-quality user experience.
• Oversee eCommerce functionality, including payments, donations, refunds and reports.
• Create training resources and train team members on website functionality and content management.
• Develop automated communications to support online purchases, memberships, bookings, and other website functions.
• Develop and refresh content and visuals to keep the site current and engaging.
• Monitor website traffic and analyse user behaviour to identify areas for improvement.

Membership and Community Development

• Oversee, develop and deliver MESS’s membership program, including being the primary point of contact for MESS members.
• Maintain the membership database.
• Oversee member communications and website content to ensure membership remains informed and engaged. 
• Identify opportunities and devise programs to support membership engagement and cultivate a diverse and supportive community.
• Devise strategies to meet membership retention and growth targets.
• Oversee annual membership campaign from conception through to post campaign debrief.
• Generate reporting and analysis on membership trends and insights.
• Implement and manage feedback processes to gauge member satisfaction.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Professional Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a strategic communications role, with responsibility for social media strategy and delivery. 
• Content Development:
• Design sensitivity and adaptability.
• Demonstrable experience developing content for web and print.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Proven track record of successfully briefing and coordinating with third-party suppliers, including developers, designers, and videographers, to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Team Collaboration:
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a small, collaborative team environment, contributing to shared goals while managing individual responsibilities.
• Membership Development:
• Experience in a membership organisation preferably inputting into membership development strategies.
• Leadership and Management:

• Experience managing and mentoring team members or contractors, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate tasks effectively and provide clear guidance to ensure team objectives are met.

Desirable 

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, such as business, education or arts administration and/or relevant work experience.
• WordPress and WooCommerce expertise.
• Technical experience across the Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and CRM systems.
• Interest in and awareness of the cultural landscape of Melbourne, particularly electronic music.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Please see the full position description for terms of employment and submission process.