Senior Press Secretary, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

1 month ago

Canberra, Australia Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Full time

The office of the Hon Michelle Rowland MP is seeking applications for a full-time ongoing Senior Press Secretary, based in Parliament House, Canberra or the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, Sydney.

POSITION OUTLINE

The Senior Press Secretary is responsible for providing expert communications and media advice to the Minister, and leading a whole-of-government approach to the Communications portfolio. 

The Senior Press Secretary is responsible for managing a small team of media advisers, leading day to day media operations, strategic forward planning to support the policy agenda within the portfolio, and identifying and managing opportunities and risks.

The role involves working closely with the Prime Minister’s office, media teams across the Department and portfolio agencies (such as NBN Co, eSafety and Australia Post), and maintaining effective relationships with the Parliamentary Press Gallery and other related journalists. 

This position would suit a highly motivated person with energy, leadership experience, strong judgement, a passion for communicating and engaging audiences in the Government’s priorities, a track record of developing and implementing effective communication strategies, and a thoughtful and strategic approach towards opportunities and issues management.

DUTIES

  1. Lead the Minister’s media and communications functions, providing expert and timely advice on priority, complex and sensitive media, and other strategic matters. 
  2. Manage a small team of media advisers to support the Minister, and provide timely and quality advice and communications briefings.
  3. Maintain effective relationships with the Press Gallery and other journalists in relation to the Minister’s announcements and policy agenda, and the agenda of the Government more generally. 
  4. Maintain effective relationships with the Prime Minister’s Office, other Ministerial Offices and the media teams across the Department and key portfolio agencies.
  5. Ensure the resources of the portfolio department and portfolio agencies are effectively utilised to provide high level and appropriate advice and support to the Minister.
  6. Maintain positive relationships with key media and portfolio stakeholders. 
  7. Provide advice and support on parliamentary matters including Question Time, speeches and parliamentary business.
  8. Monitor and advise on media and communication developments.
  9. Provide high quality advice in relation to communication strategy and planning and the Government’s wider strategic priorities.
  10. Regular interstate and Canberra travel is required for this role, as is reasonable additional work outside of business hours (compensated by an allowance outlined below).

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications advice on a wide range of policy, administrative and political matters in a public, non-profit or private sector organisation. 
  • Comprehensive understanding of Australia’s media landscape, with significant experience working constructively with media to achieve positive results.
  • Demonstrated experience working in a high-pressure environment and as part of a team, whilst exercising good judgement, resilience and a thoughtful and nuanced approach.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and liaise with other Ministerial Offices, the Australian Public Service and the community, including varied constituencies.
  • Experience in the processes of planning, organising and implementing communications strategies.
  • Knowledge of the political process and the Australian parliamentary and political system.
  • An ability to work cooperatively to achieve whole of government strategic objectives.
  • Demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated capacity for applying analytical and problem-solving skills in developing solutions for complex issues.
  • Ability to rapidly acquire a sound knowledge of the structure and functions of the portfolio.
  • Proven reliability in meeting deadlines and commitments – especially in high pressure situations.

DESIRABLE 

  • Prior experience working in political or Communications portfolio media.
  • Experience in managing small teams in a communications context.
  • Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field.

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in theCommonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-23which include:

  • A commencing base salary between $140,214 and $184,379 plus Private Vehicle (or Allowance of $25,082) will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.
  • An additional Personal Staff Allowance of $ $34,612 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work (as referenced above in duties).
  • 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.

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

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance (Negative Vetting Level 2) and comply with the Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct. The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a National Police History Check. 

To apply:

To apply for this position, please email your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages to applications@mo.communications.gov.au by Sunday 26 May 2024.

For a confidential conversation about the role and its responsibilities, please email applications@mo.communications.gov.au to set up a time with Shervin Rafizadeh, Chief of Staff.

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