Media Advisor

The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as it becomes Sydney’s Central City. The intensity of growth and investment in the City of Parramatta means that Council, its partners, and the community, have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City’s future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

The City of Parramatta is currently looking for an experienced Media Advisor to join its Corporate Affairs team to develop, deliver and manage Council’s media activities in line with its strategic goals and objectives.

About the role
Reporting to the Media Team Leader, this position is responsible for providing expert media advice and strategy for City of Parramatta Council and the Lord Mayor.

On a daily basis you will:

• Monitor news cycles and identify any risks, issues or opportunities to protect or enhance Council’s reputation.
• Identify, develop and execute proactive and strategic media plans that promote Council’s projects, initiatives, events, advocacy or other work and keep the community informed
• Act as Council’s primary contact for media; working closely with local, metro, national and specialist media to provide information that is relevant, timely and accurate, and manage issues that may emerge.
• Research and write media releases, media responses, statements, talking points, briefings, speeches, opinion pieces, thought leadership articles and other materials in a high-pressure environment.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to co-ordinate and attend events and activities, including the provision of all relevant background and materials.
• Provide expert advice and support to the Media Team Leader, Corporate Affairs Manager, Executive Team, CEO and Lord Mayor.
  

This position involves working flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekend work.

About You
The successful candidate should have at least 5 years’ experience working in the media and communications industry. It would be preferred, but not essential, for applicants to have government experience.

The successful candidate will also have:

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including extensive experience in preparing media releases, statements and supporting material.
• Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Experience in developing and implementing effective media campaigns and managing issues.
• Ability to maintain a network of contacts across a number of stakeholder groups including media and government.
• Degree qualification in Communication, Journalism, Politics or Public Relations or another appropriate qualification combined with at least five years of experience.
• Specific qualifications in media relations or communications.
• Knowledge of current government policies, structures and processes.
  

What’s on offer
We are offering an attractive remuneration from $128,725 - $135,952 p.a. including Superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location (public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, Flu Shots, Skin Cancer Checks)
  And much, much more!
  

Want to know more?
Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the Position Description, alternatively for a confidential discussion please contact Roje Adaimy on 0477 710 903.

How to apply
Candidates MUST apply online at https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/about-parramatta/careers. Applications close 11pm 31st July 2022 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

The successful candidate is required to be vaccinated (at least 2 doses of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine) in accordance with Councils vaccination policy. Candidates may submit a medical contraindication for Councils consideration.

The City of Parramatta employees may be subject to random drug & alcohol testing.

City of Parramatta Council embraces diversity, and we encourage all applicants; including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, gender diverse, LGBTIQ, veterans and culturally diverse communities to join Council. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.