Senior Media Officer

Randstad; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad is recruiting a Senior Media Officer (APS6 equivalent) to lead strategic media engagement for a Federal Government department. The role is based in Brisbane, Sydney, or Canberra with hybrid options after establishment and a 12-month contract.

Key duties include crafting media plans, managing enquiries and risk, creating press content, and coordinating with executives and external partners. Strong communication, media experience, and initiative in a fast-paced public sector setting are

Qualifications

• 5+ years in journalism or media with relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Ability to craft high-quality media materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience in issues and risk management in reactive media contexts.
• Proven ability to engage with internal executives, colleagues, and external partners.
• Familiarity with MS 365, media monitoring software, and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Media Engagement: Develop and execute strategic media plans, craft compelling narratives, and generate positive public coverage.
• Reactive Enquiry & Risk Management: Respond to media enquiries swiftly, identify emerging issues, manage sensitive information, and mitigate reputational risks.
• Content Creation: Produce clear, concise content tailored for diverse audiences, including media releases, talking points, statements, and executive briefing materials.
• Stakeholder Relations: Collaborate with subject matter experts, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to maintain transparent communication channels.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor, evaluate, and report on media engagement metrics to guide ongoing strategy.
• Team Operations: Participate in the out-of-hours media on-call roster and contribute to a collaborative, continuous-improvement team culture.

Skills

Strategic media engagement

Stakeholder relations

Content creation

Crisis/risk management

Communication skills

Education

Journalism/Media degree

Tools

MS 365

Media monitoring software

AI tools (intermediate)

Job description

Randstad is currently partnering with a prominent Federal Government Department to recruit a skilled Senior Media Officer (APS6 equivalent).

• Location: Brisbane, Sydney, or Canberra (Hybrid options available once established)
• Contract Length: Initial 12-month contract with potential extension
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Baseline Security Clearance preferable

Position Details

• Location: Brisbane, Sydney, or Canberra (Hybrid options available once established)
• Contract Length: Initial 12-month contract with potential extension
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Baseline Security Clearance preferable

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Media Engagement: Develop and execute strategic media plans, craft compelling narratives, and generate positive public coverage.
• Reactive Enquiry & Risk Management: Respond to media enquiries swiftly, identify emerging issues, manage sensitive information, and mitigate reputational risks.
• Content Creation: Produce clear, concise content tailored for diverse audiences, including media releases, talking points, statements, and executive briefing materials.
• Stakeholder Relations: Collaborate with subject matter experts, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to maintain transparent communication channels.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor, evaluate, and report on media engagement metrics to guide ongoing strategy.
• Team Operations: Participate in the out-of-hours media on-call roster and contribute to a collaborative, continuous-improvement team culture.

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience & Education: 5+ years of professional experience in journalism or media alongside relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Demonstrated ability to craft high-quality, audience-appropriate media materials and provide clear, timely advice.
• Issues & Risk Management: Sound judgment in identifying risks, handling sensitive details, and managing reactive media in high-pressure settings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build trusted relationships with internal executives, colleagues, and external partners.
• & Modern Tool Capabilities: Proficiency with MS 365, media monitoring software, and intermediate capability in using AI tools to enhance work quality.

We Want to Hear From You If...

• You are an Australian Citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a Baseline Security Clearance (and National Police Check).
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy handling reactive media enquiries, proactive stories, and complex issues management.
• You are comfortable utilizing modern digital tools, including Microsoft 365, media monitoring platforms, and intermediate-level AI to drive workplace efficiency.

(Government or public sector experience, particularly within complex environments, will be highly regarded.)

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.