Media & Communications Advisor

The CFA are proud of the work we do, protecting lives and property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
With over 51,000 volunteers CFA strives to be an organisation of choice for volunteers and employees. We, embrace individuals with diverse skills, experience and backgrounds, recognising the unique value they bring to CFA.
Want to read more about the Country Fire Authority (CFA) click here.
About the Role
In the dynamic setting of the CFA, where maintaining a positive reputation and community engagement are central to fulfilling the organisation's vision and values, the Media Unit is a dedicated team of media experts tasked with formulating and executing CFA's media strategy.

**More specifically the Media and Communications Advisor will**:

- Represent the organisation in line with CFA media policies, providing timely and accurate information to internal and external stakeholders on organisational issues, at times outside regular business hours.
- Handle administrative tasks for the CFA Media Unit, including issue monitoring and database management.
- Offer authoritative media advice and training to CFA leaders and spokespersons.
- Proactively create and execute media plans using various communication tools, including press releases, press conferences, and social media.
- Identify opportunities to enhance CFA's presence in the media and address reputation-related concerns.
- Develop and gain approvals for communication materials related to media events, releases, and speeches as directed by superiors.
- Ensure the accuracy and reliability of information shared with the media.
- Cultivate strong relationships with the media, CFA members, and emergency sector counterparts.
- Take charge of media relations during incidents and emergencies, including shifts at control centres.

A requirement of this role includes being part of a media on-call roster to respond to media requests after business hours, on weekends and public holidays along with shift work at the State Control Centre and Incident Control Centres around the state. You will also require a Victorian driver's license to travel to media events and other activities.
About You
- Experience as a journalist/media officer in the media industry, government and/or corporate sector.
- Strong writing skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate technical information into formats suitable for a range of audiences, including social media.
- Demonstrated experience in proactively identifying and delivering media opportunities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders across an organisation.
- Ability to work under pressure as part of a highly disciplined team and deliver high quality and accurate communications.
- Excellent time management skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks and produce high-quality work within tight timeframes.
- The ability to create engaging digital content (e.g. videos / photos / graphics) in support of media events.
- Understanding of CFA and emergency services environment in Victoria.

Why choose CFA
- Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference
- Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions
- Growth Opportunities: Learning and development
- Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements
- Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services
- Wellbeing Focus: Healthy for Life programs, flu vaccinations
- Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways

Your Application
Pre-employment Checks
- Successfully complete a National Police History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check.

CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.
**Applications close**: 11:59pm 23rd June