Senior Media Officer

Pinpoint Talent; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinpoint Talent is seeking an APS6 Senior Media Officer to join a federal government agency on a 12-month initial contract. The role focuses on flexible and responsive media and communications across projects, ensuring messaging is accurate and aligned with objectives and stakeholder needs.

You will develop media strategies, handle reactive enquiries, craft compelling narratives and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in media, communications or PR.
• 5+ years in media, journalism, PR or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced government environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media and communication strategies.
• Manage reactive media enquiries and mitigate reputational risk.
• Craft media releases, talking points and briefing materials.
• Analyse media engagement and report on performance.
• Collaborate within a small media team and with stakeholders.
• Ensure messaging is accurate and aligned with objectives.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Communication strategy

Education

Tertiary qualifications in communications/PR

Tools

Microsoft 365

Media monitoring tools

Job description

12-month initial contract | Brisbane, Canberra or Sydney location | Hybrid flexible working

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an APS6 Senior Media Officer to work within a federal government agency, providing flexible and responsive media and communications services across a range of projects, ensuring the messaging is consistent, accurate and aligned with its objectives and stakeholder needs.

• Developing and implementing effective media and communication strategies.
• Managing reactive media engagement, including responding to media enquiries, identifying emerging issues and mitigating reputational risk.
• Crafting compelling narratives and generating positive media coverage.
• Managing multiple priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Producing strategic content for a range of internal and external channels and audiences.
• Establishing and maintaining transparent and effective communication processes.
• Analysing, evaluating and reporting media engagement and performance metrics.
• Working collaboratively and effectively within a small media team.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and more than 5 years’ experience working in the media, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of the contemporary media landscape.
• Excellent judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience managing media enquiries, preparing media materials and providing timely, accurate advice in a fast-paced or high‑pressure environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise and audience‑appropriate media releases, talking points, statements, briefing materials and executive‑ready content.
• Sound judgement and initiative, with the ability to assess issues, identify risks, manage sensitive information appropriately and escalation matters where required.
• Ability to contribute to the development and delivery of media and communication strategies that support organisational priorities, strengthen public awareness and protect the Agency’s reputation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with subject matter experts, executives, colleagues and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and experience using media monitoring, content management or other communication tools to support delivery.
• Experience working in government, health, or other complex public sector environments, including issues management and after-hours media response arrangements.

Please note that you must be an Australian citizen to be considered for this opportunity.

This is a contract opportunity for an initial 12-month period, with the potential for further extensions, and can be based in Brisbane, Canberra or Sydney, with great flexible hybrid working options (1-2 days per week in the office). As part of this role, you will also be required to work a rotation of weekend and out of hours on-call duties.