Principal Media Advisor

NSW Ministry of Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Ministry of Health is seeking a Principal Media Advisor for a twelve-month temporary assignment in Sydney. You will lead a busy media team, provide high-level media guidance to stakeholders, and help shape strategic communications across the NSW Health system.

Role involves developing proactive media stories and managing media inquiries, with early morning and after-hours roster support. Applicants should have extensive public affairs experience and strong relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in public affairs, journalism, or strategic communications roles
• Experience in leading a team and developing strategic communication efforts
• Availability to work early mornings and after hours (including weekends and public holidays) on a rostered basis to respond to media-related matters on behalf of NSW Health
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A growth mindset, and commitment to continuous learning and personal development
• The ability to work in a small dynamic team environment

Responsibilities

• Being a key part of a busy, responsive media team.
• Providing advice to stakeholders, demonstrating initiative and independence across a range of important topics.
• Helping develop strategic communications plans with external and internal stakeholders.

Job description

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to January 2028)
Position Classification: Crown Clerk grade 11/12
Remuneration: $154,231 - $178,369 plus Superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 35 hours
Requisition ID: REQ687757
Closing Date: 15 November 2026

Join the Media team at Ministry of Health for an exciting twelve month temporary opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

About us

• Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words – they are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.
• While regular office presence is essential, we offer flexible work arrangements to support your needs.
• Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.

To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.

About the role
The Principal Media Advisor contributes to the effective operations of the Branch, which oversees a high volume of media enquiries for the whole of the NSW Health system. The Principal Media Advisor provides a high level of expert media advice to key stakeholders within the health system to enhance awareness and public perception of NSW Health's activities, initiatives, policies, and directions. The Principal Media Advisor helps to lead on projects and deliver proactive media stories.

For more information, please read the full Role Description.

What you will be doing
As the Principal Media Advisor, your responsibilities will include:

• Being a key part of a busy, responsive media team.
• Providing advice to stakeholders, demonstrating initiative and independence across a range of important topics.
• Helping develop strategic communications plans with external and internal stakeholders.

About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:

• Extensive experience in public affairs, journalism, or strategic communications roles
• Experience in leading a team and developing strategic communication efforts
• Availability to work early mornings and after hours (including weekends and public holidays) on a rostered basis to respond to media-related matters on behalf of NSW Health
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A growth mindset, and commitment to continuous learning and personal development
• The ability to work in a small dynamic team environment
  

For role related queries or questions contact Mark Douglass on *************@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ687757.

As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact **************@health.nsw.gov.au

For more information about adjustments for individual needs, please visit the Adjustments for individual needs | I Work For NSW and Inclusive recruitment of people with disability | NSW Government.

Closing Date: Sunday 15 November 2026

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information, please visit Diversity Inclusion Belonging

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

• This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
• This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.
• For more information on applying visit the our career portal
• Please note that the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Applications Close: 11:59PM, Sunday 15 November 2026