The Australia Institute is one of the country’s most influential public policy think tanks. Based in Canberra, we conduct high impact research that combines rigorous fact-driven material with cutting-edge communication strategies.

In this role, you will work alongside the Australia Institute team to increase media coverage of the Institute's research, proactively pitch stories, and build relationships with journalists and media outlets.

This full-time role is based in our Canberra office, and works collaboratively across the organisation, reporting to the Communications Director.

Hours and travel: Some work outside of regular business hours will be required in line with media advisory roles. Occasional interstate travel may be required.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Strengthen the Australia Institute's communications capacity and raise the Australia Institute’s profile through a proactive approach.
• Provide advice on media and communications issues and related activities as identified by the Executive Director and Communications Director.
• Increase the media coverage of Australia Institute research and build the profiles of Australia Institute researchers.
• Regularly engage with journalists in the Parliamentary Press Gallery and stakeholders in the Australians Parliament House.
• Liaise with the Communications Director and across the Australia Institute team to pitch stories, organise press conferences, respond to media requests and write media releases, press interviews, help produce Australia Institute TV and news content.
• Write copy and curate news content for the Australia Institute website and social media channels.
• Assist communications team to write, edit, proofread publications, collateral, web copy and social media content for online channels and print and digital formats.

• Maintain records of media coverage and collate key analytics and metrics.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience working with television, radio, and newspaper journalists to develop and pitch stories, as well as good contacts with key media organisations and journalists.
• Tertiary qualification in journalism, communication, or other degree with a strong communications work history.
• Demonstrated success writing media releases and pitching nationally significant news stories quickly and at short notice.
• Demonstrated copywriting experience such as news copy, newsletters, or speechwriting.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and experience, including exemplary written skills demonstrated through writing news copy and press releases.
• Good consultative skills, including the ability to deal tactfully with a wide range of stakeholders, including handling of politically sensitive or confidential information.
• Understanding of Australian parliamentary processes, federal press gallery dynamics, and government relations skills.

• Ability to work professionally as part of a team in a fast paced and dynamic work environment, highly self-motivated, self-driven and flexible.

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Experience in using content management systems such as NationBuilder and WordPress, or the ability to learn quickly.

• Experience creating digital content using graphic design and video editing skills.

About Us

The Australia Institute is an independent public policy think tank that conducts research and advocates for progressive policies across a range of social, economic, and environmental issues. For thirty years, we have been publishing independent evidence-based research, combined with impactful advocacy, that shapes the public policy debate and drives positive change for a better Australia.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on important social and environmental issues.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

For further information about this opportunity, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Media Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs, and we will get back to you.

A position description is attached.