Senior Media Adviser

About the role:

The Senior Media Adviser is responsible for providing expert media relations advice, driving the creation of high-quality media content, and telling compelling stories about the impact of the Department of Health's work.

This role works in a complex and fast paced environment to deliver high-profile media announcements and events - and to effectively manage and mitigate media issues.

Reporting to the Head of Media, and working within a small portfolio-based team, the Senior Media Adviser will be required to produce a range a range of materials, including media releases, QAs, talking points and event briefs. At times, this will also include working on wider communications materials, such as fact sheets, newsletters, digital content, and communication campaigns.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following capabilities

• Written Communication - Prepares emails, media releases, media statements, Q&As, talking points and issues strategies to a high-standard with little oversight required; ensures written communications contain necessary information to achieve their purpose; uses appropriate style and formats; provides advice, support and editing to other team members.
• Influence and Negotiation - Adapts the content, style, message or tone of a presentation to suit the audience and plans how to tackle objections; sells own ideas by linking them to others' values, needs and goals; negotiates and implements a well-planned course of action to achieve a specific impact.
• Problem Solving - Seeks all relevant information for problem-solving; liaises with stakeholders; analyses issues from different perspectives and draws sound inferences from information available; identifies and proposes workable solutions to problems; implements solutions, evaluates effectiveness and adjusts actions as required.

Qualifications:

A tertiary qualification in fields related to communications, media or associated disciplines would be advantageous.

Specialist Experience:

Demonstrated knowledge of relevant government landscape and experience in a government media role would be expected, or senior experience as a journalist in a news media organisation.

Knowledge of, and experience in, health and/or mental health portfolios would be advantageous.

To view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date please click on the position description attached.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply:

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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