The Australian Digital Alliance (ADA) is seeking an Executive Officer to manage its affairs and contribute to copyright policy development and advocacy in Australia and overseas. The position will also fill the role of Copyright and Policy Adviser to the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee (ALCC).

ADA members include universities, schools, consumers, galleries, museums, technology companies, libraries, archives and charitable organisations. The ALCC is the primary policy body for library and archive copyright in Australia, reporting to the major library and archive peak bodies.   

This is a unique and fast-paced role, offering unique and diverse opportunities for professional development.

Responsibilities include the development and communication of advocacy positions and policy submissions on a range of copyright issues, legal research and analysis, public speaking, media, stakeholder communication, and administration. The copyright adviser also delivers workshops on copyright issues for the library and archive sector. Direct engagement with government departments, parliamentarians and stakeholders on copyright advocacy is a core requirement of this position.  The successful applicant will regularly participate in forums, conferences and discussions on copyright and related issues.

It’s an exciting time to be in copyright law and policy, as governments worldwide consider how best to update copyright laws for the internet age. This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-motivated candidate to further develop expertise in digital copyright and access to information issues, and establish relationships with a range of stakeholders in Australia and overseas.

Current priorities for the ADA and ALCC include the recommendations from the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Copyright & the Digital Economy inquiry, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), responses to online infringement and advocacy for flexible copyright laws in relation to digital access and preservation of content.

This is a full time position with offices located at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. We will keep applications on file for 12 months for future opportunities. The initial term is 2 years, commencing in September 2015.

Applicants are required to hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

Closing date for applications: Friday 10 July 2015. Interviews will be held on Monday 3 August 2015.

Enquiries: Trish Hepworth, (02) 6262 1102 or info@digital.org.au

Specific duties:

• Researching issues, writing papers, submissions and web based material involving the relationship between copyright law and information regulation, access to content and education and technological innovation on behalf of ADA and ALCC members;
• Liaising with Parliamentarians and government departments on issues relating to information regulation and copyright, particularly the Attorney General’s Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the Department of Communications;
• Monitoring of proposed changes to Commonwealth copyright legislation and any other relevant legislation and regulation;
• Providing regular updates to the membership of the ADA and ALCC;
• Coordinating the ADA’s annual forum;
• Coordinating and supporting Committee and Board meetings, public forums and stakeholder consultations;
• Development and implementation of media and publicity activities relating to copyright issues, including advocacy and presentations at conferences and workshops;
• Delivery of copyright workshops, presentations and online training materials to libraries and archives around Australia;

• Liaison with stakeholders at national and international levels;
• General management of the affairs of the ADA and ALCC.

Provision of support to the respective organisations is on a 50/50 proportional basis.

Selection criteria:

• A completed Law degree;
• Demonstrated understanding of, and capacity to develop expertise in copyright law and information regulation policy within the information economy;
• Proven ability to research, synthesise information and write clearly and concisely;   
• Strong and confident oral communication skills, including high proficiency in advocacy and presentation;
• A demonstrated interest in the issues affecting copyright law advice and reform;
• A high level of computer literacy;
• The capacity to work autonomously, and to develop systematic communication.  This is important in maintaining information flows for the two organisations, and supporting their administrative operations with the chairs of the ADA and the ALCC, who are not based in Canberra;
• Willingness to travel.

Salary Range:

$65 000 - $75 000 including superannuation

How to apply:

• Email to info@digital.org.au
  • CV – including contact details for two references
  • Memorandum addressing the selection criteria