Media Relations Assistant

Lifeline Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Flexible working

Employee assistance program

Beautiful office facilities

Job summary

Lifeline Australia is seeking a Media Relations Assistant to work with the Head of Media and Communications, gaining hands-on exposure to media engagement, reputation management, issues monitoring and strategic communications. Ideal for a graduate or early-career professional looking to build a career in media, communications or public relations.

This is a full-time permanent role, offering learning and development opportunities within Lifeline Australia, a national suicide prevention charity

Qualifications

• Degree or near-degree in communications or related field.
• Experience in media, public relations or communications environments.
• Familiarity with Australian media landscape.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Attention to detail and ethical awareness.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and coordination of media activities.
• Prepare media briefings and talking points.
• Draft press releases and background materials.
• Coordinate interview logistics and approvals.
• Maintain media contact records and monitoring reports.
• Monitor traditional, digital and social media for Lifeline.
• Summarise monitoring findings and highlight risks and opportunities.
• Research media outlets and developing issues.
• Assist with reactive comments and background information.
• Collaborate to ensure messaging aligns with Lifeline values.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Time management

Discretion & ethics

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications/journalism/media studies

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Content management systems

Job description

OUR ORGANISATION

Join Lifeline Australia and you will be helping to support the delivery of critical services ensuring that “no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.”

Lifeline Australia is a national suicide prevention charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We are committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope.

LLA is located in Sydney, with small teams of dedicated staff employed to lead funding and corporate relations activities, and to provide the design, technical infrastructure and governance of services across Lifeline’s member network. LLA recently embarked on an exciting transformation journey, guided by an ambitious strategic plan.

The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan will see enhancements across services, technology and workforce to bring about better outcomes and a more accessible and flexible support system for help‑seekers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As Media Relations Assistant, you’ll work alongside the Head of Media and Communications, gaining hands‑on exposure to media engagement, reputation management, issues monitoring and strategic communications. You will contribute to research, coordination, drafting and monitoring activities that support Lifeline’s reputation, advocacy priorities and stakeholder communications.

This role offers genuine learning and development opportunities, making it ideal for a graduate or early‑career professional looking to build a career in media, communications, journalism or public relations.

This is a full-time permanent role.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and coordination of media and communications activities.
• Assist in preparing media briefings, background materials and talking points.
• Draft communications, media lists and media releases under guidance.
• Coordinate interview logistics, media requests and approval processes.
• Maintain accurate records of media contacts, requests and interactions.
• Monitor traditional, digital and social media coverage relevant to Lifeline.
• Prepare regular media monitoring summaries and highlight emerging themes, risks and opportunities.
• Research media outlets, journalists and developing issues.
• Assist with drafting reactive comments and background information.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure communications are accurate, consistent and aligned with Lifeline’s values and approved messaging.

About You

• A completed or near‑completed tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, media studies or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Internship, volunteer or part‑time experience in media, communications, public relations or related environments.
• Familiarity with Australian media landscapes.
• Experience with media monitoring tools or content management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Well‑developed organisational and time‑management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively, respectfully and professionally.
• Sound judgement, discretion and ethical awareness.
• An interest in working within a purpose‑driven and complex organisation.

All employees of Lifeline Australia must undergo a National Police Check.

OUR CULTURE

The team are passionate, supportive and hardworking. They are very driven to reach their goals, so that they can continue to grow and deliver critical support to all Australians at a time when the importance of mental health has never been so prevalent.

Employee Benefits Package

• Salary Packaging – being a not-for-profit organisation allows us to offer our employees access to some amazing tax savings through salary packaging.
• Flexible working – we provide flexibility and support to all employees and encourage work‑life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program – access to free counselling sessions for you and your family.
• Beautiful office facilities in central location.