Position:
Reports to:
Works with:
Hours
Based:
Salary:
Million Metre Streams Communicator
CEO
Enspiral, MMS Manager & Communications Manager
16-20 hrs per week
Auckland
$45 - $55,000 pro rata, per annum
BACKGROUND
The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is a social enterprise made up of businesses,
governmental agencies and organisations located across the country. The SBN was established
in October 2002. Our vision is Make NZ the Model Sustainable Nation for the World.
We work with members to progress their role towards contributing to NZ being a model
sustainable nation through four transformation areas:
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Using renewable energy and low carbon solutions
Positively contributing to ecological restoration
Benefitting the community they service/operate in
Choosing and using resources efficiently
We encourage members to actively participate; to be bold; to lead their sectors with innovative
new business models; and to reshape profit to include wider definitions than simply financial.
The SBN office is based in Britomart, Auckland and the team provides a range of services to
members delivered both in person and online. Members are encouraged to make a
contribution towards our four transformation areas by providing expertise, collaborating on
projects, participating in events and conferences, or showcasing their work at our Showcase or
annual Awards.
Million Metres Streams Project
The Million Metres Streams Project is an exciting new initiative by the Sustainable Business
Network in collaboration with Enspiral to crowd-fund 1 million metres of stream planting (that’s
10 million m2). The health of New Zealand’s waterways is in crisis. Many community groups and
organisations are working hard to restore our streams and rivers, but it’s just not happening
fast enough.
So we’re working with a number of pioneering organisations to help drive more investment into
this valuable work, so that the community groups can focus on putting spades in the ground,
rather than struggling for funding. We’re currently building a web platform to host the project
inspired by Million Trees NYC and Charity Water which will be launched on June 1. We’re
intending for this project to be a world-leading breakthrough in how environmental restoration
gets funded. Million Metres is a project that everyone in NZ can invest in and benefit from.
A key part of the MMS project is the existing link to Carbon4Good which is a way for businesses
to offset carbon emissions by planting native New Zealand trees. Native New Zealand tree
planting is an easy and practical carbon offset option. Trees absorb carbon as they grow and
provide co-benefits for the environment and people. Carbon4Good trees are planted by
local restoration and community groups on around 20 sites in New Zealand. Over 130,000 trees
have been planted since the programme began as a pilot in 2001.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
To create a hugely impactful national restoration programme which see a massive increase (in
both speed and scale) through increased funding towards restoration of NZ’s waterways.
This requires personal commitment and a good understanding of sustainability issues and the
ability to mobilise action from business and individual donors. It requires high energy and a
sense of urgency.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In general this position will need to use both digital and in-person communications to drive
donations and investment through a new online platform (focussed on raising funds for stream
planting projects across New Zealand.)
The work will not necessarily be well defined and may at times require initiative and
independent action. This is a world first and a new venture so it requires a certain amount of
flexibility, creativity and ability – a huge amount of drive and determination - to work on your
own as well as in a group.
Development
Work closely with Enspiral (who are developing the new website), and contribute to the general
website development:
 Assist with the development of the website communication format and donor
communication interface for the new website.
 Generate the website content and donor communication content.
 Keep the website content and donor communication content up-to-date and impactful.
 Develop and deliver the publicity platforms and content for the new website launch and
ongoing promotion.
 As part of the ongoing website promotion, develop appropriate media contacts and
relationships.
 Assist with the development of a photography/video formats and vehicle/s to deliver
the recording of tree planting project progress for publication on the website.
Regular Communications
Overseeing all communications and marketing content for the Million Metres Streams Project
including :
Managing, creating and updating website content
 Creating and managing social media channels
 Managing and writing communications materials for donors and other stakeholders
 Writing articles for online news stories
 Writing press releases
 Managing the creation of multi-media content including images and video
Drive Funding & increase supporters (sales)
 Key staff member driving investment in the project and platform by :
o Developing and delivering pitches to organisations to donate to and sponsor the
project
o Developing creative strategies to increase donations to the platform
o Liaising with potential donor organisations to test ideas and ensure that the
platform is tailored to their needs
Key point of contact
 Act as the key point of contact for all stakeholders in the project (from donors to field
partners, SBN members and staff)
 To oversee the relationship and performance of field partners in a very proactive and
positive way
 Attend and host a range of meetings
 To occasionally planting projects
All communication content must also be coordinated with the National Communications
Manager (Fiona) to ensure organisational uniformity and accuracy.
Skills required for doing this role well.
This role requires someone who is dynamic and entrepreneurial who can hit the ground
running on this new project which will require initiative, creativity and tenacity. They must be
able to work autonomously, and also be a skilled collaborator.
They must have a drive for communications that build community and connect people to a
cause in creative ways. We’re looking for someone who is endlessly curious and motivated to
investigate and create better ways of doing things.
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Good understanding and passion for sustainability (particularly restoration projects)
Be able to work with a wide variety of stakeholders from large corporates to grassroots
community groups.
Experience in a range of communications particularly writing for digital communications
(newsletters, updating website, presentations)
Capable of marketing the programme effectively.
Excellent English language writing skills
Experience in contributing content and design to a new website development
Good team working skills.
Strong understanding of digital communications and online community-building
Experience in online content creation and Wordpress CMS
Confident developing and delivering pitch presentations
Understanding of stream restoration (desirable)
Understanding of sustainable business drivers from both business and consumer angles
(desirable)
Experience in working in multi-disciplinary entrepreneurial teams
Inspires a Shared Vision
This person must be able to inspire SBN members and potential members, and be able to
explain the roadmap and how members can be involved in the project really well. The person
needs to be able to "lift us up, give us a reason for being and give the vision and spirit to
change." They will be able to ensure members feel they have a real stake in the transformation
or any practical/ commercial project associated with it.
Excellent Communicator
This person will enjoy communicating with people at all levels both in one-on-one situations as
well as with groups. They will have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Superb organisational skills
This is a busy role with many aspects associated with both event management and member
liaison. It is essential that the person has a high level of organisational skills ensuring the
smooth running of events and the varied local membership liaison functions, particularly the
Activate meetings and member alignment to the relevant transformation areas, are carried out
efficiently.
Integrity
One of the most important things for all SBN staff is that his or her actions, and not words, set
the modus operandi for the work. Good leadership has to be shown through ongoing
commitment to, and demonstration of, ethical practices consistently through all SBN work.
Enthusiasm
SBN is all about transforming the status quo. We need a team of people with oodles of
enthusiasm, with a bounce in their step, and a can-do attitude. They need to be part of an
invigorating journey for our members. Enthusiastic leaders are committed to their goals and
express this commitment through optimism. Enthusiasm is contagious and we need that if we
are to create change.
Business Acumen
The SBN is a business-focused organisation and it is crucial the National Network Coordinator
has a good understanding of, and is comfortable working in a business environment and in
operating in a commercially focused way.
Empathy
Transforming business isn’t an easy job, and at times, empathy for the situation or challenge for
others, will be key skills required.
Compliance
Compliance with all Health and Safety procedures as defined by the Health and Safety Act.
Compliance with all company policies and procedures. Any other duties as and when required
by the employer.
The job description outlined while specific is not exhaustive.
In the course of the employee’s employment with SBN the employee shall carry out all tasks
diligently, responsibly and with regard to the best interests of the employer.
The employee shall become properly familiar with, and follow all procedures of the employer as
established from time to time. The employee shall observe in all respects the directions and
instructions given by the Director, or those which may be properly given by an officer or
employee of the employer having authority to give such directions or instructions to the
employee.
Key Competencies
Performance will be reviewed annually with six monthly reviews. Staff are expected to perform
strongly in the following areas and align with SBN’s values:
Sense of Mission
Understands and can discuss aspects of the SBN’s vision, values, purpose and aims. Has a
passion for the environment and people and a clear understanding of the projects carried out
and the services provided to members
Is conscious of the image of the network and of the working environment. Takes steps to
enhance the professional image of the network as a warm, professional, welcoming, safe and
environmentally-sound organisation. Seeks out, builds and fosters alliances in the community,
with others who share similar strategic directions and may be useful in assisting the SBN to
achieve its mission and goals.
Unwavering purpose
Understands SBN’s Vision of creating a model sustainable nation and seeks to deliver great
value to its members on our collective journey to achieving that Vision. It is through this
steadfastness that we will we make the transformative change required.
Personal
Self-directed and self-motivated. Demonstrates professional self care. Knows when and how to
seek support.
Confidently and eloquently able to express views, even when faced with differing points of
view. Displays confidence in own decisions.
Shows an interest in, and seeks to develop a broader understanding of, issues relating to the
work of the SBN and the New Zealand business sector generally, and seeks to professionally
develop in their role
Takes action based on positive expectations. Feels comfortable seeking guidance and support
in difficult or sensitive situations.
Confronting issues
Is fearless in confronting the hard issues surrounding sustainability for business. Rather than
lobbying, takes a courageous approach to tackling the difficult questions and promoting robust,
pragmatic discussion.
Modelling sustainable practice
Leads by example using the best sustainable business practices - more than lip service modelling the current and designing the future paradigms become a reality.
Performance
Takes deliberate steps to achieve agreed KPI’s with measurable targets that really stretch.
These are monitored and referred to often.
Is competent in the management of projects. Is able to create a project plan with timelines,
resources, key milestones, Profit & Loss etc and reports accurately on that performance.
Uses creative ideas and flexible in grabbing opportunities. Get excited by new ideas. Identifies
or anticipates and prepares for opportunities. Able to identify opportunities which may add
value to the network members. Is able to balance own prioritises and preferences with those of
others or with network requirements.
Creative, influential trailblazers
Works with members facilitates which facilitates a culture of creativity. We are successful,
inventive and resourceful.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Champions self-management and is able to empower, support and help others. Recognises
inherent historical knowledge within SBN and seeks advice or support before frustration sets in.
Is capable of undertaking formal research to assist in providing reliable, best practice
information to members or team members. Is open and honest in dealing with others,
respecting own and other’s rights to have differing views.
Actively looks for opportunities to work with others to progress practical projects, programmes
which improve sustainability outcomes.
Develops long-term relationships with key funders or project supporters.
Publicly credits others who have performed well. Cooperates rather than competes.
Communicates needs clearly and willingly. Imparts knowledge to others.
Generating possibilities, Realising Opportunities
Actively uses SBN’s local and global networks, expertise, transformational area framework,
relationships, and a comprehensive set of tools and services to generate possibilities (from new
products to service offerings to business models) and realise opportunities for success for
members - the business community in general, and SBN itself.
Valuing Diversity
Demonstrates an understanding of other cultures or preferences by adjusting own behaviour to
improve communication and understanding. Is empathetic, comfortable and friendly in diverse
groups.
Providing opportunities for energising, inspiring interactions
Helps create energising and inspiring events which showcase what are possible, pose questions,
and encourage debate and discussion. Is informal and non-conformist, yet creates a sense of
community and common purpose.