Campaigns Support Volunteer (Podcast Researcher)

Position Purpose

This role will join the Refugee Leadership, Advocacy and Communications team to assist with campaigning and research projects. This role will undertake background research to support the development of a podcast, with a particular focus on the experiences of people held in offshore detention.

About the Program: Refugee Leadership, Advocacy and Communications

The Refugee Leadership, Advocacy and Communications program drives social, legal and policy change to uphold the rights and dignity of people seeking asylum. Through advocacy, campaigning and marketing, the program amplifies refugee voices, builds public support and strengthens a movement for change. The Campaigns team works to achieve meaningful change for people seeking asylum across our advocacy priorities by leading strategic campaigns and by re-framing the narrative using digital communication platforms.

Organisational context

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia's largest independent organization providing aid, employment, health services and advocacy for people seeking asylum. Powered by over 500 volunteers and 200 staff, we create welcoming and inclusive environments. Our organisational values are Welcoming, Authentic, Courageous and Collaborative.

Key Responsibilities

The key tasks of this volunteer role include:

Podcast research tasks:

• Assisting with background research to inform the podcast content and narrative development
• Conduct desktop research into key historical events and policy developments related to offshore detention
• Maintain a research library with clearly labelled media sources for podcast use
• Assist with preparing research briefs or summaries for internal use and podcast guests
• Support fact-checking and verification of podcast scripts and campaign materials

Campaign assistance tasks:

• Monitor and respond to supporter enquiries via the Campaigns inbox
• Assist with moderating ASRC social media channels
• Assist with content creation and copywriting for campaign materials
• Assist with maintaining ASRC’s online supporter database (NationBuilder) to support campaign communications
• Ad hoc tasks to respond to emerging campaign issues and events

What We’re Looking For:

Essential:

• Relevant experience or study in research, communications, media, social sciences, law, politics, or a related field
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including summarising research clearly and accurately
• Confidence using computer systems and digital tools for online research, collaboration, and data entry
• Creative thinker with an interest in shaping research into engaging stories and campaign materials
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to fact-checking and source tracking
• Commitment to the rights of people seeking asylum and ASRC values (Collaboration, Welcome, Courage, Authenticity)
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliability and willingness to commit to agreed volunteer hours

Desirable:

• Prior experience in a similar role
• Lived experience as a person seeking asylum, or from a refugee background

Note: ASRC values lived experience, passion and a genuine commitment to justice, equity and human rights for people seeking asylum - over professional experience, so please apply even if you don’t think you meet all the criteria.