Senior Advisor External Affairs

Permanent Full-Time opportunity

Employee discounts program

About the role

The Senior Advisor, External Affairs is a key strategic position within the City of Melbourne, driving collaboration across content teams to deliver integrated, high-impact communications. The successful candidate will show initiative, bring new ideas to the table and evaluate different strategies in action – driving the Corporate Affairs team to deliver clear, informative and engaging content for our community.

Working closely with the Media Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs, this role ensures alignment across media, social, corporate, and emerging platforms.

With a strong focus on traditional media, the Senior Advisor plays a vital role in protecting the City's reputation, by delivering effective and accessible communications on Council issues, policies and initiatives.

In a fast-paced and complex environment, you'll provide expert strategic advice to senior leaders, executives, councillors, and the Lord Mayor's office. Your deep understanding of the media landscape and ability to build trusted relationships with journalists and stakeholders will be essential to your success.

As part of a dynamic and collaborative team, you'll contribute to the delivery of timely, accurate, and high-quality communications. You'll work across all Council portfolios, offering proactive and reactive advice to your Corporate Affairs colleagues – supporting them to plan and execute communications that address reputational risks and celebrate Council initiatives.

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you'll help deliver what's most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We're proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it's your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

What your experience might look like

Tertiary qualifications in media, journalism, public relations, communications, or equivalent experience

Proven ability to manage complex, sensitive issues in a political and dynamic environment

Strong understanding of delivering strategy across owned and earned media

A keen interest in new and emerging channels

Strong influencing, negotiation, and high-level communication skills

Experience building effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels

Ability to work proactively and reactively, with sound judgment in high-risk situations

Benefits of working with us

Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.

Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.

Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.

Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How to apply

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role As part of your application, you will be required to:

Attach your updated resume

Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

A few important things to note – don't miss out

Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.

Apply early This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don't wait to get your application in.

We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you're contacted for an interview.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

City of Melbourne is the business, administrative, cultural & recreational hub of Victoria, Australia.

The City of Melbourne, as a council, is proud to oversee Melbourne's city centre and a number of inner-city suburbs. Melbourne is recognised globally for its enviable lifestyle and as Australia's premier destination for culture, education, shopping, dining, sports, events and festivals.

City of Melbourne is the business, administrative, cultural & recreational hub of Victoria, Australia.

The City of Melbourne, as a council, is proud to oversee Melbourne's city centre and a number of inner-city suburbs. Melbourne is recognised globally for its enviable lifestyle and as Australia's premier destination for culture, education, shopping, dining, sports, events and festivals.

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Perks and benefits Creative organisation, making a difference Learning & Development Discounts Excellent leave entitlements Flexible work

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