Senior Adviser

Senior Adviser (Adviser 3 - Non-ministerial)

Dr Monique Ryan MP

Federal Member for Kooyong

The office of Dr Ryan, the Independent Federal Member for Kooyong, is seeking applications for a full-time ongoing Senior Adviser role based in the Kooyong Electorate in Hawthorn East, Victoria, with travel to Australian Parliament House in Canberra, ACT.

The Senior Adviser will be responsible for providing high-quality expert and timely advice on strategy, messaging and media communications around Dr Ryan's policy platform and activities in the electorate and in Canberra. This is an opportunity to play a key role in a vital second term for Dr Ryan.

The most important attributes for the successful candidate will be experience in strategic decision making, political messaging and communications, and legacy media relationships.  An understanding of the Australian political system and its processes, the ability to balance local and national priorities, and holding values and beliefs consistent with those held by the MP are paramount.

This role involves regular travel to Canberra, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide high quality, expert and timely advice on strategy, messaging and media communications.

• Assist in policy initiatives and research into the development of strategic policy responses.

• Work collaboratively and effectively with other team members on communications strategies, policy development, messaging and marketing, including engagement with community members and volunteers.

• Liaise with external stakeholders to identify key issues in relation to policy requirements and legislative documents, communications and messaging.

• Ensure that the resources of the office are effectively utilised to provide high level and appropriate advice and support to the parliamentarian.

• Provide high-level media and communications advice to the MP and other staff regarding issues of national and local importance, including working with other team members to identify, prepare for and deliver media opportunities at Parliament and within the electorate.

• Provide advice for and prepare media releases, newsletters, emails and other correspondence to the electorate, as well as outdoor, digital and print advertising.

• Other duties as required to support the parliamentarian and the effective operation of the Electorate Office.

Desired skills and qualifications:

• Education:

• A Bachelor's/Master's degree in a related field

• Experience in one or more of the following fields:

• Senior adviser to a Member or Senator

• Politics, including political communications, policy, or otherwise
• Media and communications
• Knowledge of the Kooyong electorate and community
• Skills:

o   Demonstrated experience in providing advice on a wide range of policy, administrative and political matters.

o   Developed knowledge of the political process and the Australian parliamentary and political system.

o   Ability to rapidly acquire a good knowledge of the structure and functions of the office.

o   Outstanding organisational and time management skills.

o   Ability to prioritise and manage multiple and competing work tasks to deliver to agreed deadlines.

o   Demonstrated experience in working in a dynamic environment as part of a team and leading by example.

o   Demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

o   Demonstrated capacity for applying analytical and problem-solving skills in developing solutions for complex issues.

o   Proven reliability in meeting deadlines and commitments especially in high pressure situations.

o   A respectful demeanour when engaging with office staff and constituents

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement which include:

• A commencing salary between $109,788 and $154,780 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.

• The role includes an allowance of $34,223 in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work and any travel requirements.

• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).

• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following:

• An initial probationary period of three months may apply and may be subject to extension.

• The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.

• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.

• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

How to apply

Applications should be forwarded to and will be considered if they include a short cover letter addressing your interest in the position and how your skills and experience meet the important attributes and desired experience outlined above, and a CV with the names of two referees.

Applications should use the subject line: Strategy and Communications Senior Adviser and close on 19 September, 2025, or earlier if sufficient interest. Please apply as soon as possible.

For further information please contact Fiona Curry on or