Speechwriter and Media Officer, Aps Level 6

Canberra
- Applications close 11 November 2024

**About the Department**:
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.
**About the team**:
The Media and Speechwriting team plays a critical role in the Communications Branch providing media support to two portfolio Ministers and their offices, the department’s Executive and departmental staff. The department covers a broad range of policy and program responsibilities as well as portfolio agencies. The Media and Speechwriting team produces high quality media products such as media releases, talking points and media enquiry responses. The team also has specialist speechwriters.

**The opportunity**:
We have two opportunities available in the team - as a speechwriter and a media officer. Roles are available on an ongoing and/or non-ongoing basis.

We’re looking for experienced media and writing professionals with sound judgement and strong writing skills, to help uphold the reputation of the department and provide valuable support to Ministerial offices.

The key skills we’re seeking are:

- proven ability to work to tight deadlines
- proven ability build good relationships and work well in a team
- clear communication skills; and
- highly-developed writing skills with an eye for detail.

**What you will do**:
As a Speechwriter, you will:

- Prepare high quality written products for our ministers and senior executives, including speeches, video scripts, talking points, op-eds, forewords and other written products.
- Ensure content is well-researched, written with colour and impact.
- Ensure content is tailored to the intended audience.
- Work independently, use sound judgement and write to a high standard.
- Build strong relationships with policy areas, ministerial media advisers and senior executives.

You may sometimes be required to assist the media side of the team, which involves liaising with journalists, writing media releases and managing a busy shared inbox. Experience in this field is also highly valued.

As a Media Officer, you will work closely with the Assistant Manager and Managers, departmental policy areas and Ministerial media advisers to produce high-quality compelling written products to promote portfolio-related initiatives.

Your excellent writing skills, capacity to respond flexibly as issues emerge, and ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders will enable you to thrive in this role.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Writing high-quality media releases, talking points and other media products to support Ministerial announcements.
- Managing media enquiries received by the department in a timely manner, as well as assisting Ministerial offices to respond to enquiries of their own.
- Proactively develop relationships within the department and help maintain the relationship between the media team and Ministerial offices.
- Demonstrating strong organisational skills and time management to ensure tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.
- Providing media monitoring support to the department.
- Participating in an evening and on-call weekend roster to provide media support.

You may sometimes also be required to assist on the speechwriting side of the team.

**Eligibility**:
**Notes**:
A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

**Application information**:
**Contact Information**:
**How to apply**:

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