Employment Opportunities
Research Positions
Communications Manager
Internships
RESEARCH POSITIONS
The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), Australia’s foremost independent public policy think tank is looking for exceptional individuals to join our research team. The positions will suit people with a strong interest in promoting market-based solutions for public policy. These positions offer an outstanding opportunity to lead cutting-edge research and influence public policy on a range of high-profile and important issues.
Applications from either graduate level or more experienced candidates will be considered, and the scope of the role and level of responsibility will be tailored to the successful candidate’s level of experience. Research interests in education, health, welfare, public finance, taxation, trade or other topics related to domestic economic and social policy would be of interest to the CIS.
This is an opportunity for a bright person, with appropriate skills and experience, to join Australia’s leading think-tank and to establish a high profile reputation as an applied social researcher and commentator. All CIS researchers operate at the intersection of scholarship and public policy with the aim of elevating public debate and improving the substance of government policy. Therefore, the ability to effectively communicate the policy implications of technical, academic research to a non-academic audience, or the desire to learn how to do so, is a plus, as is the desire to build relationships within the policy community.
We are happy to consider both full-time and part-time applications for the positions which is based in Sydney. Applications will be considered from candidates taking leave or secondment from their current position.
Roles and Responsibilities
• Undertake research for various policy projects
• Write research reports and opinion pieces
• Contribute articles to CIS publications such as Policy magazine
• Contribute to CIS web-based outlets such as ‘ideas’ and ‘incise’
• Communicate the research work to CIS supporters, business, government and the general public through public presentations and speeches, media articles and interviews.
• Build a public profile and become a sought after expert in your area.
Qualifications and Background
• Bachelor degree (or higher) involving a relevant discipline (sociology, economics, political science, etc);
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong interest in contributing to the debate around public policy issues
• Strong communication skills
• Good analytical skills
• An interest in building contacts in academia and government
• The ability to work autonomously.
It is very important that any candidate has an understanding of, and sympathy with, the philosophy of the CIS, and a desire to explore how our philosophical principles can be implemented through practical and innovative policy proposals. This should be a serious consideration before applying.
Conditions
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Interstate or overseas applicants must be willing to move to Sydney.
Applications close on March 30, 2012
Apply
For an informal discussion about this position, candidates are welcome to contact Jenny Lindsay on 02 9438 4377
Written applications only. Please include a cover letter addressing the position criteria, your CV and three referees.
Send to: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
C/- Jenny Lindsay, General Manager
Phone: 02 9438 4377
Fax: 02 94397310
Requirements
The Communications Manager will lead the development and implementation of a communications and media strategy to build the CIS brand and increase the impact of CIS research.
The Communications Manager should have the following:
• A deep understanding to the goals of the CIS and an understanding of where the CIS places itself in the ‘think tank’ world.
The CIS is a research organisation that offers considered, impartial, and evidence-based alternatives to current public policy. It is not a lobby group — nor does it align itself with any political party. As a think tank, the CIS aims for long-term, lasting change by informing decision-makers in Australia with reasoned argument — and by disseminating its message to the wider public through traditional and new media. The CIS offers considered opinions and ideas on topics after doing thorough research — we do not give opinion for opinion’s sake.
• A strong understanding of how to build a communication strategy and an ability to communicate and control that strategy to all CIS staff.
• An inquisitive mind that loves learning and implementing the continual developments in social media and other new media.
• Good writing skills, with the ability to create extremely high quality copy on tight deadlines.
• An understanding of messaging and framing, and the judgement to repeatedly find the right message to engage traditional media and social media.
• Experience in press and communications for educational advocacy, political and/or nonprofit organisations is preferred but not required.
• A strong grasp and interest in Australian politics and policy.
• The person must be passionate, hard-working, organized and a detailed-oriented. They must have good interpersonal skills and want to be part of an organization that aims to change the way Australians think.
Duties
Media contact and co-ordinator
1. Build relationships with editors, producers and writers in all spheres of traditional and social media.
- Newspapers – traditional and online
- Radio
- TV
- Relevant online blogs and websites
2. Co-ordinate contact between media and CIS staff and visiting speakers.
Design and drive a communications strategy for selling CIS products such as:
- New Publications and Reports
- Events
- High Profile visitors
- Research staff
- Membership
The strategy will involve a mixture of the following resources and may involve a number of CIS staff in the implementation.
- Press Releases
- Organising Opeds to be written
- Interviews
- Use of Social media such as Facebook and Twitter
- Use of direct email
- Creating Youtube videos
- Any new media developments
Day to Day Admin and co-ordination
Website – loading up of any Opeds and press releases. Ensuring front page of the website has the latest material.
incise blog – co-ordinate, edit and publish blog posts.
ideas@the centre – edit and organise weekly articles.
Tweeting and added to Facebook.
Database – update media emails on ThanQ. Ensure all relevant media outlets are correctly listed. Building lists for sending out ideas.
Media skills – Build skills of researchers by holding training sessions for TV, radio, use of Twitter and Facebook.
Recording and Assessment – logging of media activities and assessing the value and impact of activity.
Conditions:
Applicants should have a minimum 3 years experience in related industries.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Interstate or overseas applicants must be willing to move to Sydney.
Applications close on April 6, 2012
Please include a cover letter addressing the position criteria, your CV and two referees. Jenny Lindsay, General Manager Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
INTERNSHIPS
A small number of short-term unpaid internships are available throughout the year. We select interns on three main criteria:
1. That the intern is studying in a field that we have a research interest in.
2. That a mentor within the CIS is available to work with the intern. We have found that the experience is less than satisfactory on both sides if there isn't a real project to be worked on and real support for the intern.
3. That you are available to work at our office in St Leonards, Sydney
Please send your application to Jenny Lindsay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
