Media Advisor

• Permanent Full Time
• $99,526.96 per annum plus Superannuation
• Join the Strategic Communications & Advocacy team

Hume City Council is one of Australia’s fastest growing and culturally diverse councils. We put the customer and our community at the centre of all that we do, ensuring our services are efficient and accessible.

The Media Advisor plays a specialist advisory and delivery role within the Strategic Communications Department and supports the delivery of proactive media, publicity and reputation management activities across Council. 

Working within the Corporate Communications and Reputation team, a key function of the role is to proactively monitor, analyse and interpret media coverage, community sentiment and emerging issues across traditional and digital channels. The Media Advisor translates these insights into timely, actionable advice and reporting to leadership, supporting informed decision-making and enabling the organisation to respond effectively to reputational risks, community concerns and emerging trends. 

The Media Advisor builds and maintains strong relationships with media outlets and journalists, manages media enquiries, supports spokesperson preparation and contributes to reputation management, issues management and crisis communications activities. 

The role works collaboratively across the Strategic Communications Department and broader organisation to ensure Council’s public narrative is coordinated, accurate, timely and aligned with organisational priorities

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and implement proactive media activities that support Council priorities, services, projects, programs and events.
• Identify and generate positive media opportunities that promote Council initiatives, achievements and community outcomes.
• Develop media releases, statements, media kits, key messages, briefing materials and spokesperson notes.
• Monitor media coverage, public sentiment and emerging issues that may impact Council’s reputation.
• Identify reputational, political and stakeholder risks and escalate appropriately, supported by evidence and analysis.
• Provide media advice and recommendations to stakeholders across the organisation. • Use media insights and community sentiment data to inform communications planning, campaign development and organisational messaging.
• Proactively monitor media coverage, digital channels and community sentiment to identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities. • Prepare timely, high-quality reporting and briefings for leadership, including the Executive Leadership Team, to support informed decision making.

The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role:

• Demonstrated experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications or a similar communications role.
• Experience developing media releases, statements, briefing materials and content for a range of audiences and channels.  
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills, including the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with journalists, media outlets and internal stakeholders.  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging and audience-appropriate content.  
• Experience monitoring media coverage, identifying emerging issues and providing communications advice and recommendations.  
• Demonstrated ability to identify reputational risks and apply sound judgement when managing sensitive issues and communications matters.  
• Understanding of local government, public sector or political environments and the factors that influence reputation and stakeholder perceptions.  
• Commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration and delivering high-quality communications outcomes.  

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• A current driver’s licence.

Why Hume City Council?

A leader in local government, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment that is guided by our values:

We’re better, every day: We give things a go and value progress over perfection. We have permission to go for it and are expected to reflect and learn.

We’re in it together: At Hume, everyone matters. We Welcome and include all. Respect and safety are expected.

We show up: We empower and trust others and own our work. We rise to the challenges and are expected to do what we say we will.

All for Hume: We strive to achieve our best for the Hume Community. We are proud and passionate about working towards better outcomes and expect they are at the centre of everything we do.

We offer a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

A child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. Council encourages people of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

All candidates will be required to undertake background and probity checks including Reference Checks, Working with Children Check, and a Criminal Record Check.

For any queries, please contact us at [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed progressively throughout the advertising period. This role may close once a sufficient number of suitable applicants has been received. To ensure your application is considered, please apply as early as possible.

Media Advisor - Position Description