Manager Media & Communications

Lotuspeople.Com.Au; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working with WFH flexibility

$500 annual wellbeing benefit

Three gifted leave days during the X‑M

Ability to purchase additional annual/

Five days of special leave annually

EAP, income protection and paid Paren

Meaningful work with executive visibil

Job summary

Lotus People in Sydney is seeking an experienced media professional to lead proactive and reactive media engagement across a major portfolio. You will translate complex programs and policy into clear narratives, advising senior leaders and building relationships with journalists.

The role offers a hybrid working model with WFH flexibility and demands strong writing, media relations, and strategic thinking to shape a proactive public narrative.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in media, communications or public affairs
• Strong media relations experience with demonstrated journalist engagement
• Exceptional writing skills and ability to deliver polished material at speed
• Strong news judgement and understanding of media cycles
• A proactive, story-driven mindset with the ability to identify angles rather than wait for briefs
• Confidence advising senior stakeholders on sensitive or high-profile issues
• Resilience and composure in high-pressure, high-scrutiny environments
• Ability to quickly understand complex subject matter and communicate it simply
• Government, financial services, property, infrastructure, regulated industry or major corporate experience will be highly regarded
• Existing media relationships will be advantageous

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement across a major organisational portfolio
• Develop media strategies around key milestones, priorities and emerging issues
• Write media releases, statements, briefing notes, key messages and interview materials
• Manage journalist enquiries from initial request through to approved response
• Build trusted relationships with journalists and relevant media outlets
• Identify proactive story opportunities and creative angles that strengthen public understanding
• Monitor coverage and emerging issues and advise on reputational risks and opportunities
• Prepare senior leaders and spokespeople for interviews and public commentary
• Translate complex programs, data and policy into plain-English, compelling narratives
• Coordinate messaging across internal teams to ensure consistency and accuracy

Skills

Media relations

Writing skills

News judgment

Stakeholder advisory

Storytelling

High-pressure environments

Job description

ROLE DETAILS

• Remuneration package: $140,400 incl. super
• Permanent, full-time opportunity
• Sydney
• ASAP start
• Hybrid working model with WFH flexibility

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Join a growing, purpose-led national organisation delivering complex and meaningful work. Operating in a high-profile environment, the organisation is investing in its communications capability and moving towards a more proactive public narrative. Expect intelligent colleagues, interesting subject matter, significant stakeholder exposure and a culture that values resilience, curiosity and initiative.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an opportunity for a switched-on media professional to do far more than respond to enquiries. You'll identify stories, develop proactive media strategies, advise senior leaders and translate complex programs, data and policy into clear narratives that resonate. With strong internal appetite for the function, you'll have room to bring ideas, challenge thinking and build a meaningful public profile.

DUTIES

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement across a major organisational portfolio
• Develop media strategies around key milestones, priorities and emerging issues
• Write media releases, statements, briefing notes, key messages and interview materials
• Manage journalist enquiries from initial request through to approved response
• Build trusted relationships with journalists and relevant media outlets
• Identify proactive story opportunities and creative angles that strengthen public understanding
• Monitor coverage and emerging issues and advise on reputational risks and opportunities
• Prepare senior leaders and spokespeople for interviews and public commentary
• Translate complex programs, data and policy into plain-English, compelling narratives
• Coordinate messaging across internal teams to ensure consistency and accuracy

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years' experience in media, communications or public affairs
• Strong media relations experience with demonstrated journalist engagement
• Exceptional writing skills and ability to deliver polished material at speed
• Strong news judgement and understanding of media cycles
• A proactive, story-driven mindset with the ability to identify angles rather than wait for briefs
• Confidence advising senior stakeholders on sensitive or high-profile issues
• Resilience and composure in high-pressure, high-scrutiny environments
• Ability to quickly understand complex subject matter and communicate it simply
• Government, financial services, property, infrastructure, regulated industry or major corporate experience will be highly regarded
• Existing media relationships will be advantageous

BENEFITS

• Competitive $140,400 remuneration package
• Hybrid working with WFH flexibility
• Opportunity to help build a more proactive media function
• $500 annual wellbeing benefit following probation
• Three gifted leave days during the Christmas/New Year shutdown
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave and swap public holidays
• Five days of special leave annually, subject to relevant criteria
• EAP, income protection and paid parental leave benefits subject to eligibility
• Meaningful work with strong executive visibility

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

At Lotus People, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and will ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process.

Every application we receive is reviewed by a real person, never by AI. If your experience aligns with the requirements of the role, a consultant will be in touch within 2-3 business days for an initial phone screen. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to a virtual interview with the consultant managing the role.