Media Lead

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $113,022 - $136,747

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Communications, marketing and media

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 8301

About us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.

Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and +maintaining Victoria's transport, planning and land services for use by all.

We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.

The Office of the Secretary is a Group within the Department of Transport and Planning, and is responsible for the development of an integrated, sustainable and safe transport system for all Victorians and includes three groups: Communications and Customer Experience, Intergovernmental Relations and Legal.

Communications and Customer Experience leads best-practice communications and engagement to connect DTP with our people, customers, industry partners and communities. We work collaboratively to enrich our customers' experience of our services, provide the information people need to get around safely and smoothly, and engage with Victorians about how they live and move, now and into the future.

About the role

*This is a Fixed Term Position until February 2026*

Key Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in media issues management, with the ability to prepare high-quality communications materials and proactively identify opportunities to promote organisational objectives. They will bring excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to manage stakeholder relationships, deliver creative and impactful communications, and adapt to public scrutiny. Strong time management, teamwork and leadership support capabilities will be essential for success in this role.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position accountabilities

The Department of Transport and Planning is seeking an experienced Media Lead to play a central role in shaping the organisation's public profile and managing high-profile communications. This position is responsible for producing accurate and engaging media materials, including responses, releases, event briefs and Q&As, often under tight deadlines.

In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of media relations initiatives and provide strategic advice to senior leaders to support interviews, briefings and public engagement. You will exercise sound judgment to identify proactive media opportunities, manage emerging issues and ensure timely, well-researched responses to media enquiries. Your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and key media outlets will be essential to ensuring that departmental priorities and messages are clearly and accurately communicated.

The role also involves coordinating media events, preparing supporting materials, and ensuring strong visual content is delivered across both traditional and social media platforms. You will be part of a 24-hour on-call roster, responding to media enquiries promptly and effectively while safeguarding the Department's reputation.

We are looking for a communications professional with proven expertise in media issues management, exceptional writing skills and the confidence to advise and influence senior stakeholders. The ability to think creatively, manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure will be critical to success in this fast-paced and high-profile role.

This is an opportunity to join a values-driven organisation where your work will directly support public confidence in Victoria's transport and planning system. If you are motivated, strategic and ready to lead impactful media engagement, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications and experience

Mandatory

• An appropriate tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in journalism, public relations, communications or a similar discipline.

Culture Value

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department's goals.

What we offer

Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.

For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.

How to apply

Click the 'Apply' button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 19th September 2025.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we're unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Louisa Cheatley - Acting Media Manager via

Important Information:

• If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.

Applications close Friday 19 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

4 September 2025