Applications are invited for the full-time ongoing position of Media and Communications Adviser in the Office of Dr Helen Haines MP, based in the Member’s Electorate Office in Wangaratta, VIC or Wodonga, VIC.

The successful applicant will manage all aspects of Helen Haines MP's media and communications.

This is a dynamic position which will suit a person with a background in media or journalism looking for their next challenge doing diverse and meaningful work.

The successful applicant will have a passion for the future of Indi and regional Australia, and an appreciation of the role of independent politicians and community-driven grassroots democracy.

This role requires a high degree of initiative, loyalty and flexibility, as well as travel to Canberra during sitting weeks and around the electorate with the MP.

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

• Develop and implement an overarching media and communications strategy for the MP including an annual budget for printing and communications expenditure.
• Research and draft media statements, media responses, speeches, newsletters, website copy, advertising copy and newsletters.
• Prepare and manage media events, including press conferences, TV, and radio.
• Research policy issues, preparing policy briefings and advising the MP on policy positions.
• Oversee the management of the MP’s social media pages including preparing posts, monitoring comments and responding as appropriate.
• Project manage priority campaigns and conduct strategic advocacy.
• Provide and execute strategic media and messaging advice.
• Proactively develop stories and curate leads with constituents and stakeholders.
• Build strong working relationships with local and national journalists.
• Media monitoring to ensure MP and staff are kept up to date with relevant news.
• Set audience and reach targets, monitoring growth and metrics.
• Other duties as directed by the Chief of Staff or MP.

Key selection criteria

• Experience working as a media adviser or journalist, and tertiary qualifications in journalism, media, communications, law, arts or public policy.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills across a variety of mediums, including media statements, talking points, social media, newsletters, advertisements and other copy.
• Experience working with web content management systems and/or social media, including growing audiences and executing digital advertising strategies.
• Proven ability to think strategically and creatively and adapt and respond to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated capacity to research, analyse and communicate complex issues to a range of audiences.
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work as both part of a close-knit team and autonomously.
• Exceptional ability to proactively develop relationships with stakeholders.
• Well-developed sense of political acumen and demonstrated understanding of working within a political environment, including the Australian political system and topical political issues.

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 2020-2023 which include:

• A commencing salary between $98,739 and $139,203 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills
• An additional Personal Staff Allowance of $30,779 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements)
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable

Travel within the electorate and to Canberra for parliamentary sitting periods will be required.

A probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an interview and written exercise.

For further information please contact Sally Whyte at [email protected] using the subject line: Media and Communications Adviser - Wangaratta / Wodonga enquiry via EthicalJobs or 03 5721 7077.