Media and Communications Advisor

Job Details; Penrith; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Penrith seeks a Media and Communications Advisor to provide expert support to the Mayor and engage in strategic communications. The role involves preparing briefings and media materials, managing media relations, and attending civic events. Essential qualifications include a tertiary degree in relevant fields and proven experience in executive communication support. The role offers flexible work and strong benefits, including educational support and paid maternity leave.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

18 weeks paid maternity leave

Health and wellbeing leave

15 days personal leave

Financial support for education

Free access to leisure venues

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing and supporting an executive with activities.
• Experience in strategic communication and media support.
• Experience in managing competing priorities and negotiating with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support and advice to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
• Prepare high-quality messaging and media materials.
• Attend events to support the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Skills

Communications skills

Media management

Stakeholder negotiation

Strategic advice

Education

Tertiary qualification in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or relevant discipline

Job description

Note : This position is available to internal applicants only.

About the role

The role sits within the Public Affairs team which leads strategic communication engagement and issues management to support the organisation to achieve its objectives including :

• articulating the strategic vision and priorities
• guiding impactful communications and engagement to promote the vision and priorities
• issues and reputation management.

What youll do

The Media and Communications Advisor provides timely expert day-to-day support and advice to the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate on Councils projects programs and matters and media.

Activities include

• Preparing high-quality factual messages briefing documents reports communications collateral and media material to support the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate to fulfil the responsibilities of the role / s.
• Providing support and assistance to the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate to support the day-to-day delivery of activities and commitments including preparing briefing notes and materials ahead of commitments assisting in the development of speeches responding to relevant Mayoral media matters receiving and providing feedback to the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate and other stakeholders across Council.
• Attending events and activities to support the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate at civic business community or other engagements. This includes attending on the day pre-event preparation and coordination photography social media and post-event follow-up.
• Assisting the Public Affairs Manager with public affairs issues management including for the General Manager and Executive Leadership team.
• Fostering effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including subject matter experts and project teams to assist in the development and delivery of communications activities.
• In consultation with the Public Affairs Manager and Head of Future Directions and Resilience implement an effective communications process to ensure the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate is briefed on Council projects / programs and matters ahead of time.
• Provide media support and advice to the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate to assist in responding as Councils primary spokesperson.
• Offer strategic and considered media and communications advice to the Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate that aligns with Councils corporate communications objectives and strategic position.
• Develop implement and update comprehensive communications plans to support public affairs management.
• Undertake agreed special projects as required from time to time.

What youll bring

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in Communications Journalism Political Science or a relevant discipline
• Demonstrated experience preparing and supporting an executive elected member or minister with the day-to-day delivery of activities including the preparation of concise communications and briefing materials
• Demonstrated experience supporting an executive elected member or minister with strategic and considered communication and media support
• Demonstrated experience developing a presence and / or strategy for media participation for an executive elected member or minister as a primary spokesperson for an organisation
• Demonstrated experience preparing media releases media responses and managing media issues
• Demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities including the ability to negotiate with internal and / or external stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met

Desirable

• Previous experience working in Local Government
• Experience working in the media or in a similar role
• Current Class C drivers license

Applications are invited from suitably experienced and qualified staff for the permanent full-time position.

Applicants are asked to submit a letter outlining their suitability for the role and a comprehensive resume.

In addition to the outline above please be sure to refer to the Position Description for more details about the role responsibilities and selection criteria.

For further information or questions please contact Anna Petersen Public Affairs Manager on or.

About Council

At Penrith City Council were passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life so were here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits including :

• A range of flexible work arrangements
• 18 weeks paid maternity leave
• Health and wellbeing leave
• 15 days personal leave
• Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
• Diverse salary packaging
• Free access to all Ripples venues
• And much much more!