About the position

The role is based in the Narrabeen electorate office and during parliamentary sitting weeks, based in Australian Parliament House, Canberra.

The contract is for an initial period to 17 May 2025 (unless a federal election is held earlier), with potential to be extended. Applications for full or part time, and flexible working arrangements will be considered.

The parliamentarian is seeking an enthusiastic person with a proven track record in communications or public relations, with experience in developing and executing communication strategies and managing media. The applicant must have strong writing skills and be able to demonstrate the ability to synthesise complex information to produce effective written material, including media releases, speeches and briefs. Excellent relationship management and organisational skills are essential.

The role will involve some travel within the electorate and regular travel to Canberra, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

The key duties of the position are, but are not limited to:

• Develop, manage and implement a multi-platform communications strategy in accordance with key priorities and policy goals
• Provide high level public relations advice to the Member
• Provide media monitoring and advice to the Member including daily briefings on media issues and events and advice on media opportunities in relation to these
• Prepare the Member for media events, including preparation of briefings and speeches
• Establish and maintain relationships with key media within the Canberra Press Gallery, the Sydney metropolitan media and local media outlets within the electorate
• Monitor and advise the Member on state and local issues affecting Mackellar constituents; maintain relationships with local stakeholders and work with the Electorate Office team on these issues
• Support the Chief Policy Adviser as necessary with the management of parliamentary business (legislation advice, preparation of amendments, policy briefs and proposals, committee work and inquiry preparation and reports, Private Members’ Bills, Motions, speechwriting, Parliamentary Groups, Committees and Associations and submissions etc.)
• Manage stakeholder relationships
• Other duties as detailed in the position description, available on request

Required qualifications, skills and experience:

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications and experience:

• Academic qualifications in a relevant discipline such as communications, public relations, journalism or marketing, with at least 4 years work experience in a related field
• Ability to develop and manage senior level relationships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple and competing work tasks in a fast-paced, high pressure working environment
• Keen interest in environmental protection, climate change and renewable energy
• Thorough understanding of Australia’s system of government and parliamentary processes. Experience in policy or parliamentary procedure is advantageous

• Knowledge of the key local and state issues affecting Mackellar is helpful
• Ability to work as part of a team

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23 (soon to be updated by a new Enterprise Agreement 2024-27), which include:

• A commencing salary between $119,953 to $131,463 per annum (FTE) will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable

A probationary period will apply.

The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.

For further information please contact Charlotte Bonnar on 02 9913 9566 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Communications and Media Relations Adviser enquiry via EthicalJobs.