National Media Manager - Strategic Communications Leader

Universities Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Salary packaging options

Parental leave entitlements

Annual flu vaccinations

Free parking

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Universities Australia is seeking a seasoned Media Manager to lead day-to-day delivery of its media strategy. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Communications, the role grows UA’s presence in the press gallery and national affairs writing, shaping coverage that advances advocacy and guiding rapid responses.

You will prepare the CEO for interviews, draft releases and talking points, and coordinate media planning for budget cycles, elections and policy releases.

Qualifications

• Senior-level media experience in press gallery or similar.
• Strong political judgement to anticipate story direction.
• Established relationships with national media.
• Excellent writing; ability to voice others.

Responsibilities

• Lead UA’s media strategy and execution.
• Build UA’s standing across the press gallery and national affairs writing.
• Find and place stories that advance UA’s advocacy.
• Lead reactive media responses and crisis management.
• Prepare the CEO for interviews and write in the CEO’s voice.
• Draft releases, op-eds, talking points and Q&A.
• Coordinate media planning for Budget, elections, and major policy releases.
• Collaborate with Advocacy, Digital Storyteller, and sector teams.

Skills

Senior media experience

Political judgement

National media relationships

Excellent writing

Strategic advisory

Collaborative teamwork

Media leadership

Job description

Universities Australia is seeking a seasoned Media Manager to lead day-to-day delivery of its media strategy. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Communications, the role grows UA’s presence in the press gallery and national affairs writing, shaping coverage that advances advocacy and guiding rapid responses.

You will prepare the CEO for interviews, draft releases and talking points, and coordinate media planning for budget cycles, elections and policy releases.