Senior Media Officer

Location Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs – Sydney NSW Overview The Communications Branch, within the Ministerial, Engagement and Communications Division provides communications advice and media support to the Department, the Repatriation Commission and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. The Media Team is responsible for proactive and reactive media engagement, production of media materials including media releases, supporting interview requests, media monitoring, reporting and other communications activities. We engage directly with journalists and Senior Executive staff to manage media enquiries, organise media opportunities and enhance the Department’s reputation. Position We are looking for a high-performing Senior Media Officer (APS6) to join the Media Team. Reporting to the Media Manager, you will help write media products, monitor the media for issues of significance, liaise with journalists, gather information for media enquiries or fact checks and provide issues management support. The role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound judgement, creativity and an ability to engage regularly with Senior Executive, the Minister’s Offices and other government agencies and stakeholder organisations. Key duties Draft clear media products to support major Departmental priorities Prepare Talking Points on topical issues Pull together regular media issue reports, media summaries and executive communications Provide communication, media and issues management advice to the Media Manager and business areas Develop and maintain relationships within the Branch, with senior executive and external stakeholders Support media engagement activities including organising interviews, liaising with journalists, helping with commemorative events and other media work Support with media on-call duties as part of the media on-call roster Eligibility Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre‑engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements. The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance. Mandatory requirements Tertiary qualifications in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism, or possession of recognised skills or significant relevant experience in these fields is highly desired. Notes This recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non‑ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack. Where a non‑ongoing position is offered, the role will be filled for an initial specified term of up to 23 months. A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non‑ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months. Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period. People & culture DVA embraces and fosters a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. We are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Take on a rewarding, varied, and broad career with an Australian Public Service Department that can bring balance and flexibility to your working life, while supporting you to stay connected to your community. DVA is committed to improving the data skills and capability of our workforce to underpin our goal of becoming a leading data‑driven organisation. #J-18808-Ljbffr