Chair of the Communications Committee

“I started my ISPAH journey on the Early Career Network Committee in 2015. I absolutely loved meeting people from all around the world, working on projects together, building collaborations and friendships, and ultimately networking for jobs and skill-building for my CV. I started as a PhD candidate, making myself useful where I could. I brought useful skillsets to ISPAH, including graphic design, media and social media knowledge, capacity building and ‘new ideas’. I went on to become Chair of the Early Career Network (2018-2020) and then Chair of the Communications Committee. I’d encourage anyone contemplating applying, to apply! I’m also very happy to answer any questions you might have via email. It’s a quick and easy process to apply, and ultimately, if it helps your career as much as it has mine, you’ll have a lot to thank ISPAH for!” 

Expected time commitment:  

4-8 Hours Per Week (with additional surges around key events).  

Description: 

A highly collaborative role that leads ISPAH’s largest committee, with more than 15 roles (see image below of Committee Structure).  The next person in this role will have a strong desire to build capacity of others to lead their portfolios within this committee, as well as recruiting and training new members to the committee. Working closely with the Advocacy Lead and IT Systems Lead, the Chair of the Communications Committee will coordinate a number of important communication and advocacy related tasks across social media, email, blogs, #8Investments Community Hub, podcasts, webinars, and other modalities. An on-boarding phase is planned to give the successful candidate a chance to get to know the Board and the communications committee members, and to familiarise themselves with the role. The communications committee very much works as a team, so the lead has lots of support from the committee, as well as the Board.  

Roles: 

• Provide leadership and coordination to the ISPAH Communications Committee, which has responsibility for leading and implementing all communications of the Society across the ISPAH website, ISPAH News, social media, and other written communications  
• Develop and oversee a Communications Committee Workplan   

• Work with the ISPAH Advocacy Director on advocacy materials and actions 
• Work with the ISPAH IT Systems Director to ensure relevant news and materials are posted frequently on the ISPAH website 
• Ensure that the ISPAH Communications Committee monitors and maintains the ISPAH email account and that queries are responded to and/or forwarded to the relevant ISPAH Board member; provide follow-up to ensure reply is sent  
• Work with and support ISPAH Congress hosts regarding congress communications, including the development of a congress communications strategy and conformation with ISPAH Brand Guidelines 
• Develop and maintain ISPAH resources (such as ISPAH promotional materials)  

• Provide reports (written/verbal) on ISPAH Communications at ISPAH Board meetings and the annual general meeting (AGM) 
• Recruit and coordinate additional ISPAH members to serve on the ISPAH Communications Committee as required (particularly when cover / support needed for periods of absence/leave) 

Committee Structure:  

Requirements: 

• Good delegator  
• Excellent team management skills and willingness to train others in their roles  
• Experience with Canva would be an advantage  
• A strong understanding of social media  
• Experience with e-newsletters
• Excited about science communication and innovative ideas