Senior Media & Issues Specialist

Telstra; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Telstra is seeking a Senior Media & Issues Specialist to lead media liaison, develop strategic media plans and manage issues for campaigns and corporate announcements. The role partners with campaigns, Owned Editorial and Social Media teams to ensure integrated, on-brand media activity.

The position is a 12-month fixed-term secondment reporting to the Head of External Channels & Media and can be based in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.

Qualifications

• Strong media relations experience in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications or journalism.

Responsibilities

• Lead media liaison activity, including proactive pitching and responding to media enquiries.
• Develop and deliver media plans that support campaigns, major announcements and issues management.
• Partner with Campaigns, Owned Editorial and Social Media teams to ensure media activity is integrated across channels.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of Telstra’s media engagement strategy.
• Create high-quality media materials, including releases, statements and key messages.
• Manage day-to-day media enquiries and related issues promptly and effectively.
• Conduct media training for relevant executives and support leaders in engaging with media.
• Act as a Telstra spokesperson where appropriate.
• Develop relationships across digital, broadcast and print media.
• Manage media issues of varying complexity, including social and employee channels.
• Provide strategic media advice to the Communications Senior Leadership Team and Executives.
• Build internal stakeholder relationships and trusted relationships with national media.
• Conduct research, reporting and analysis to share insights on media performance.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communication

Stakeholder management

Writing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or journalism

Job description

Employment Type
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Closing Date
9 Oct 2026 11:59pmJob Title
Senior Media & Issues Specialist

Job Summary

Job Description

Who we are

We're an iconic Aussie brand with a global footprint. Our purpose is to build a connected future so everyone can thrive. We're all about providing the best experience and delivering the best tech on the best network.

This includes making Telstra the place you want to work. For you, that means a having career that grows with you and working with a team powered by human connection that prioritises wellbeing and choice.

Focus of the Role

As a Senior Media & Issues Specialist, you will play a key role in protecting and enhancing Telstra’s reputation by developing and executing strategic media plans across campaigns, corporate announcements and issues management.

You’ll work closely with leading national and local media outlets, building strong relationships and delivering clear, timely and effective media engagement.

This is a 12-month secondment/fixed-term opportunity reporting to the Head of External Channels & Media.

This hybrid role can be based in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Office or on-site attendance will be required for specific events from time to time, with occasional interstate travel.

Key responsibilities

• Lead media liaison activity, including proactive pitching and responding to reactive media enquiries.
• Develop and deliver media plans that support campaigns, projects, major announcements and issues management.
• Partner with Campaigns, Owned Editorial and Social Media teams to ensure media activity is integrated and aligned across channels.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of Telstra’s media engagement strategy.
• Create high-quality media materials, including releases, statements and key messages for campaigns and issues.
• Manage day-to-day media enquiries and related issues in a timely, effective and efficient manner.
• Conduct media training for relevant executives and support leaders in engaging confidently with media.
• Act as a Telstra spokesperson where appropriate.
• Develop and strengthen relationships across digital, broadcast and print media.
• Manage media issues of varying complexity, including developing messages for social and employee channels.
• Provide strategic media advice to the Communications Senior Leadership Team and Executives on plans, execution and issues.
• Build and maintain strong internal stakeholder relationships and trusted relationships with national media.
• Conduct research, reporting and analysis to share insights on media performance across campaigns and issues.

About you

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring strong media relations experience, sound judgement and the ability to provide trusted communication advice in a fast-paced environment. You’ll also bring:

• Deep knowledge of the Australian media landscape, with proven experience engaging effectively with news and editorial teams.
• Established relationships with mainstream media outlets and journalists across TV, radio, digital, print and emerging channels.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise and compelling messages for different audiences, including on sensitive or complex topics.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple campaigns, priorities and deadlines while responding to incoming media enquiries.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide strategic communication counsel to senior executives.
• A strong understanding of media channels, including digital and social, and how to use each channel to reach target audiences and achieve cut-through.
• A collaborative approach, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience in telecommunications, technology or an ASX-listed business would be highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism or another relevant discipline.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to use your media expertise to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. At Telstra, you’ll be part of a collaborative and inclusive team where your ideas, experience and perspective are valued.

As part of your application with Telstra, you may receive communications from us on [phone] *** (for job applications in Australia) and [phone] (for job applications in the Philippines and India).

When you join our team, you become part of a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is respected, valued and celebrated. We actively seek individuals from various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and abilities because we know that diversity not only strengthens our team but also enriches our work. We have zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, and we prioritise creating a workplace culture where everyone is safe and can thrive.

We work flexibly at Telstra. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you. When you apply, you can share your pronouns and / or any reasonable adjustments needed to take part equitably during the recruitment process.