Senior Communications and Media Advisor

About this role

• Dynamic work environment
• Opportunity to be challenged in an issues-rich portfolio
• Flexible and supportive team

The Senior Communications Advisor delivers innovative, high-quality and effective communications, media and stakeholder engagement services for the department's Agriculture portfolio, to support the achievement of government priorities and the department's objectives.

As the successful applicant, you will deliver communications for policies, programs, initiatives and Ministerial events across the Agriculture portfolio within the department. This role has a significant focus on media communications and issues management.

The successful applicant will be comfortable working across complex media issues, bring a positive can-do attitude, will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work across the division.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and deliver high-quality, innovative media and communication strategies and materials through a variety of channels, on time, within budget and with high-level attention to detail in a complex, sensitive and dynamic environment. This includes preparing written materials such as complex briefs, strategies, media releases, speeches, forewords and social media content using clear, concise and grammatically correct language.
• Strong experience providing expert media and communication advice and support to stakeholders at all levels, including ministerial offices and executives.
• Highly-developed interpersonal and negotiation skills, with an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, provide advice on processes and policies, and work effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and manage media and communication projects and stakeholder relationships with minimal direction, demonstrating sound judgement and identifying and escalating potential risks and issues as required.
• Proven ability to maintain composure, focus under pressure and adapt to change as well as actively and collaboratively contribute to a high-performing team which delivers outstanding results, and to constantly seek ways to improve your own contribution.
• Minimum five to ten years' experience spanning communications, public relations and media.
• Sound knowledge of and experience working in government is preferred.
• Significant media communications experience is preferred.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

Other relevant information:

If you are current Victorian Public Service (VPS) employee, employed on an ongoing, fixed term or casual basis you are eligible to apply for this role. People on labour hire contracts, such as agency staff and contractors, are not eligible to apply.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. 

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.