Media Adviser| Communications Assistant

Media Adviser/ Communications Assistant
Andrew Leigh MP Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Andrew Leigh MP
Media Adviser/ Communications Assistant
Andrew Leigh MP Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Toby H.Click here to view Toby H.’s profile
Toby H.
Media Adviser | Minister for Skills and…
I’m inviting applications for a Canberra-based media / communications assistant.



I have a broad range of ways I engage on policy issues, from op-eds and interviews to social media, tele townhalls, podcasts, and public events.



My media person helps draft and coordinate those ideas. This involves drafting media releases, and op-eds, liaising with journalists, feeding social media and working with the wider Labor team. The hours can exceed a nine to five workday and can be unpredictable, so the position includes an allowance to compensate for those additional hours.



As Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury & Employment, as well as Member for Fenner, the issues that I engage on range from economic inequality to building community. An appreciation for economics, a love of words and a passion for Canberra are definite pluses.



Some travelling, with an occasional overnight stay, may be required.



In the late-1++0s, prior to entering politics, I worked as a policy and media adviser for Senator Peter Cook. So I am open to applicants with a range of skills. If you’ve worked in the media or in the parliamentary environment, great. But if you’ve simply got a keen interest in the media and good policy, then please don’t hesitate to apply.



As in all walks of life, it always helps to surround yourself with people who can teach you something. So if you write better sentences than me, are wittier than me, know the media better than me, or can communicate bold ideas better than me, then I want to hear from you.



Lists of likely duties and selection criteria are below.



The salary package (which includes an allowance for additional reasonable hours required by parliamentary work patterns) ranges from $123,1+4 and $133,403, depending on skills and experience.



We’re keen to secure someone who can start soon, since my current media adviser has been appointed to a more senior role in the Labor team.



Women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups are particularly encouraged to apply for this position.



If you're interested, please send a CV with a covering email to andrew.leigh.mp@aph.gov.au. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 22 September.



For further information on the position, please contact nick.terrell@treasury.gov.au. In case you're interested in learning more about my approach to work, check out my Twitter feed, my website or my Ten Principles of Politics.



DUTIES



Provide expert and timely advice on priority, complex and sensitive media, communications and strategic matters.



Maintain effective relationships with the Prime Minister’s Office, other Ministerial Offices and the Australian Public Service on all priority, complex and sensitive issues.



Maintain effective relationships with the Press Gallery and other journalists in relation to announcements and policy agenda, and the agenda of the Government more generally.



Ensure that the resources of the portfolio department are effectively utilised to provide high level and appropriate advice and support to the Minister.



Liaise with media and portfolio stakeholders as directed or required.



Provide advice and support on parliamentary matters including Question Time, speeches, legislative processes and parliamentary business.



Monitor and advise on media and communication developments.



Provide input into communications strategies as required.



Provide high quality advice in relation to communication strategy and planning and the Government’s wider strategic priorities.



KEY SELECTION CRITERIA



Demonstrated experience in providing advice on a wide range of policy, administrative and political matters in a public, non-profit or private sector organisation.



Ability to communicate effectively and liaise with other Ministerial Offices, the Australian Public Service and the community, including varied constituencies.



Experience in the processes of planning, organising and implementing communication strategies.



Demonstrated experience in working in a high-pressure environment as part of a team.



Sound knowledge of the political process and the Australian parliamentary and political system.



An ability to work cooperatively to achieve whole of government strategic objectives.



Demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.



Demonstrated capacity for applying analytical and problem-solving skills in developing solutions for complex issues.



Ability to rapidly acquire a sound knowledge of the structure and functions of the portfolio.



Proven reliability in meeting deadlines and commitments especially in high pressure situations.



EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:



The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1+84 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23 which include:



A commencing salary between $+1,4+2 and $101,701.



An additional Personal Staff Allowance of $31,702 (from 5 August 2023) 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.



The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance (Negative Vetting Level 2) and comply with the Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct