We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Public Affairs Advisor (Breakthrough) to lead and shape our public relations efforts. This role is open to applicants from all major capital cities on a 5-month fixed term contract.

This senior-level role is pivotal in managing the organisation’s reputation, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, and developing high-impact communication strategies that align with our goals.

ABOUT UNITED WORKERS’ UNION

United Workers’ Union is a powerful member-led union whose sole purpose is to serve the collective interests of members in workplaces and communities by winning significant and long-lasting gains.

The Union is driving change by growing union membership, developing leadership amongst our members, encouraging active member participation in the union, building and enforcing standards in our sectors, and campaigning both politically and in the community.

As a union with a proudly diverse membership, we are committed to equity and inclusion; and continuing to build a union that is truly representative of the workers we cover. We encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and women.

The United Workers Union is proudly affiliated with the Australian Labor Party.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Public Relations Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations and communications strategies to enhance the organisation’s reputation, portfolios and public image.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership on media engagement, public relations trends, and crisis communication.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and other media professionals.
• Act as the primary (unnamed) spokesperson for the organisation when required.
• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, and opinion pieces to ensure consistent and impactful media coverage.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster relationships with key external stakeholders
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all stakeholder interactions.

Content Development

• Oversee the creation of public-facing materials, including speeches, reports, newsletters, and campaign content.
• Ensure content is tailored to target audiences and is clear, persuasive, and on-message.

Internal Communications

• Contribute to as directed, the creation and delivery of internal communications, ensuring employees are kept informed, engaged, and aligned with organisational objectives.

Mentorship and Leadership:

• Mentor and provide guidance to junior team members, fostering their professional development.
• Contribute to building a culture of excellence and innovation within the communications team.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor the effectiveness of strategies, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Provide regular reports on communications performance and recommend adjustments to improve impact.

Growth & Retention

• Contribute to content strategies and campaigns that drive audience growth, engagement, and retention.
• Implement tactics to nurture and expand digital communities, fostering long-term member engagement.
• Analyse audience behaviours and preferences to tailor content that enhances the audience and member experience.

Brand & Reputation Management

• Ensure content reflects and enhances the UWU’s brand identity and values.
• Monitor online sentiment and engage with audiences to maintain a positive brand image.
• Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts through timely, accurate, and thoughtful content.

Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement & Active Team Member

• Work closely with the teams across UWU to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Liaise with external vendors or freelancers, as needed, for specialised content production.
• Cover other roles of the Public Affairs team as necessary due to leave, assignment or other operational necessities.

Trend Analysis & Innovation

• Stay up-to-date with digital trends, tools, and platforms to innovate communications strategies.
• Experiment with new content formats to engage and grow audiences.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications

• A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Additional qualifications in crisis communication, media relations, or strategic communications are desirable.

Experience

• Proven experience (5+ years) in senior-level public affairs roles, with significant experience in public relations, media relations, and internal communications.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex organisations or projects.
• Experience in managing high-profile communications during crises or sensitive situations.

Technical Skills

• Strong media relations and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar.
• Knowledge of SEO, UX, and email marketing best practices.

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance short-term needs with long-term objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of digital communication tools, platforms, and trends.
• Commitment to and understanding of UWU’s values and priorities.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• A diplomatic approach, with the ability to manage sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.

Desirable

• Experience with graphic design or multimedia content creation.

To perform this job, you will also be required to have or obtain and maintain:

• A valid driver’s licence; and
• Right of Entry Permits; and
• Immunisation against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption

REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant, which will include:

• Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience;
• A motor vehicle or motor vehicle allowance;
• 16% superannuation
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 25% leave loading

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, together with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to People, Culture and Change by clicking ‘Apply Now’ below.

For further information about the role, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Public Affairs Advisor - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.