About the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.

We are a value-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food provisions, casework and legal services.

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

Our Values

The human rights of people seeking asylum and refugees are at the foundation of all we do and the workforce makes it happen, doing the work to bring the vision and purpose to life.

Our organisational values are:

• Welcoming
• Authentic
• Courageous
• Collaborative

About The Role

The Media Officer is crucial for ASRC's media engagement and visibility, assisting the Senior Policy and Media Lead with both reactive and proactive media efforts. Responsibilities include drafting media releases for ASRC, writing key messages and briefs for staff and the sector, creating media and communication plans, briefing and pitching stories to journalists, and responding to media inquiries.

In collaboration with the Senior Policy and Media Lead, you will help drive change by identifying, influencing, and shaping media narratives to align with ASRC’s priorities and advocacy goals. The role also involves media reporting within the organisation and leading the development of a community of media spokespeople with lived experience of seeking asylum.

This position is part- time, 3 days per week.

About You

The successful candidate will draw your interest in advocacy, organising, and mobilising communities to fight for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum and help them fulfil their potential. In addition to excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create positive relationships with a diverse range of people, you will also possess the following skills and attributes:

• At least four-five years’ experience in writing, journalism, media or communications.
• Effective time management skills, including the ability to meet competing deadlines and be adaptive in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work autonomously to deliver on agreed priorities and small projects.
• Knowledge of the barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia.
• A passion for working towards social and systemic change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively and develop positive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable. Knowledge of policy and issues impacting on people seeking asylum in Australia as well as previous experience working within a not-for-profit environment, would also be advantageous.

Employee Benefits

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

• Flexible Working Arrangements, including the ability to work remotely.
• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%.
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
  • Leave due to Cultural or Religiously Significant Events.
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave.
  • Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum.
  • Gender Affirmation Leave.
• Free onsite car and bicycle parking.
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free).
• Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free).
• Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets.
• Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses).

Position Description

Please find the Position Description attached to address the Selection Criteria.

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check, and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.