Media, Communications and Parliamentary Advisor

This role will be Max’s primary support and advisor during sitting weeks in Canberra. They will work closely with Max’s part-time policy advisor to provide input on policy matters, support local and national housing campaign initiatives, and with the Chief of Staff to support the Electorate Office’s strategic objectives.

This role oversees and drives the MPs communications with a focus on media and social media. A strong understanding of Greens housing policy will be essential and experience in political communications, media or journalism will be highly advantageous.

This role will be based in Brisbane and include travel to Canberra during most sitting weeks.

This position is envisioned as a 4 day/week role, however can be full time for the right person (if desired). Any overtime/outside hours work to be compensated with time off in lieu in non-sitting weeks.

About you:

The successful candidate must have a deep understanding of Australian politics, a fundamental alignment with progressive Greens values and in particular with the proposed solutions to the housing crisis that Max and the Greens are fighting for.

You must have a commitment to making positive change, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills, professional integrity, and a track record as a flexible team player who is also able to drive their own work independently as required.

Key Responsibilities include;

• Helping to implement a social media strategy for Max, including overseeing regular communications creation.
• Maintaining relationships with key media contacts and working to oversee an effective media strategy including to pitch proactive media stories to journalists and be the primary communications point for media inquiries.
• Work closely with the Leaders’ Office to identify and maximise media and policy profiles.
• Manage media inquiries and write media releases, letters to the editor, interview briefing notes, speeches and opinion pieces and articles for selected publications.
• Being the primary point of contact and support for Max in Parliament. This includes assisting with basic calendar and administrative tasks, tracking his speaking spots, assisting with speech notes, liaising with other MPs and their staff, attending meetings and other tasks as required.
• Assisting the policy advisor to manage stakeholder relationships in areas of priority including working with the office manager on organisation and attendance at meetings during sitting weeks.
• Assisting with materials production on Housing and Homelessness issues, including drafting copy, writing briefs for a graphic designer, and assisting with other written materials.
• Working with other team members to create video and visual content for social media.
• Having strategic input on other areas of work in the office to help achieve our strategic goals.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience;

• A demonstrated understanding of the Australian media landscape and operations and a demonstrated understanding of of the Australian political system and topical political issues
• Experience in developing and implementing media strategies and proactive media networks
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated capacity to comprehend complex issues, think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Confidence, motivation and initiative to drive strategic policy and effective communications strategies
• Highly attuned organisational and time management skills
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communications skills
• Ability to deliver work to deadlines in a timely and calm manner.
• Ability to work as part of a team and with minimal supervision
• Strong understand of Greens Housing Policy
• Understanding of and commitment to progressive Greens values

Employment Conditions

This position will be offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, and employment conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023, which include;

• The role will commence at an EOB5 salary of $83 179 full time equivalent plus an additional payment of ESA 2-6 ($4176- $12 906) for recognition of any overtime hours worked, to be determined with the successful candidate based on their availability.
• In addition to this, a nightly travel allowance (approximately $300 per night, that is exempt from tax) will be paid for all required travel. Travel allowance will be paid for each night of travel required in line with the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023
• Generous employer-sponsored superannuation of 15%
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements)
• Ongoing training and professional development facilitated by the employment framework

A probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension by a maximum of two months. All employees are expected to sign a confidentiality and code of conduct agreement before the commencement of their employment.

next steps

Our office is committed to creating an inclusive environment at work where diversity is recognised and celebrated. The Greens are an equal opportunity employer. We know that strength comes with diversity and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as people of colour, people with a disability, and those of any religion, age, sexual orientation or gender identity to apply.

Even if you feel you do not possess all the required skills or experience for the role as advertised, we’d encourage you to apply and provide us with information on your other relevant or aligned skills.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, so please submit your interest as soon as possible. 

Applicants progressing to an interview stage will be contacted that week (or sooner), with interviews to be held between Tuesday 7 May- Friday 10 May with the role to commence on (or as soon as possible after) Monday 20 May.

Any questions about your suitability for the role, or the hiring process please contact Clare Scrine at [email protected] using the subject line: Media, Communications and Parliamentary Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs or call on (07) 3397 1674.