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OFFICE OF SENATOR PENNY WRIGHT
Job Title:
Senior Adviser (Media and
Communications)
Job Category:
EOB
Location:
Adelaide
Travel Required:
Regular
Annual salary:
$62,895 - $73,431
Position Type:
Full time
Electorate Staff
Allowance:
Up to $22,787
Reports to:
Senator Wright
Expressions of interest addressing the selection criteria accepted by: Friday 8 May 2015
Applications should be written with the responsibilities of the role in mind and include details of two professional
referees.
E-mail:
Mail:
To: danielle.forsyth@aph.gov.au
Subject Line: <Name> Senior Adviser (Media and Communications) application
Danielle Forsyth
Office of Senator Penny Wright
PO Box 8117, Station Arcade
Adelaide SA 5000
Phone inquiries: Danielle Forsyth – 08 8410 4588
Job Description
The office of Senator Penny Wright is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Senior Adviser
(Media and Communications). The successful candidate will provide advice to the Senator on media
engagement and political strategy.
The Senior Adviser (Media and Communications) is the primary contact for journalists and will be
responsible for generating pro-active media opportunities, coordinating messaging advice and strategy,
writing media releases, responding to interview requests, and media monitoring. The right person will
also oversee the strategic direction of the Senator's office and be required to assist in a campaigning or
policy role.
The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in
the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Collective Agreement 2012–2015. Generous employersponsored superannuation of 15 per cent is also offered.
The position has an anticipated start date of 29 June 2015, subject to negotiation.
Roles and responsibilities
1.
Responsibility for and oversight of strategic direction and planning for the office, including
monitoring office objectives, priorities and timelines.
2.
Provide key media and messaging advice and strategy.
3.
Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-media communication plan for the Senator
consistent with the overarching plan developed for all Australian Greens senators.
4.
Write and distribute media releases, statements, media packs, and opinion articles and
update website as needed.
5.
Generate pro-active media activities and coordinate media events, such as press conferences.
6.
Establish and maintain relationships with journalists and producers and maintain accurate
media contact lists.
7.
Daily media monitoring.
Possible further tasks, subject to knowledge and experience
8.
Develop and support community campaigns on key portfolio priorities (Schools, Mental
Health and Legal Affairs).
9.
Oversight of policy development and strategy for the schools portfolio area, including
stakeholder liaison and speech-writing.
Selection Criteria
10.
Experience as a journalist or media adviser to a politician.
11.
Strong news sense and a background in politics and social justice issues.
12.
Demonstrated understanding of the Australian media landscape and ability to build media
relationships and generate pro-active media coverage.
13.
Highly developed written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
14.
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated capacity to comprehend complex issues, think
strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.
15.
Strong initiative and aptitude for working under time constraints and strict deadlines with a
minimum of supervision.
16.
Excellent computer skills, including in experience with websites and online media, Microsoft
Office and database packages.
17.
Ability to work co-operatively in a small team.
18.
Sound knowledge and understanding of Australian Greens’ policies.
19.
A respect for sensitive and confidential information.
20.
Current driver’s licence.
Experience/Knowledge/Personal Qualities
The following abilities and personal qualities are highly desirable:
21.
Experience in television or other broadcast media.
22.
A thorough understanding of the Australian political context.
23.
Experience in leadership roles or providing strategic advice.
24.
Relevant tertiary qualifications (eg. journalism/public relations degree, social sciences or
politics).
25.
Knowledge of the policy issues in the Schools portfolio and/or an understanding of public
policy decision-making in a political context.
26.
A background in social activism or campaigning work.
All employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement and undergo a
police records check.
Senator Wright was elected in 2010, her term expires on 30 June 2017.