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- Tasks: Support the Mayor with strategic communications and media engagement.
- Company: Join Penrith City Council, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible work, 18 weeks maternity leave, health support, and education funding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public affairs and enhance your communication skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Communications or related field; experience in media support.
- Other info: Award-winning workplace with a commitment to employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 you'll do
The Media and Communications Advisor provides timely expert day-to-day support and advice to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate on Council's 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 Council's primary spokesperson.
- Offer strategic and considered media and communications advice to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate that aligns with Council's 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 you'll 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 driver's 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.
About Council
At Penrith City Council, we're 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 we're 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!
Media and Communications Advisor in Penrith employer: Job Details
Contact Detail:
Job Details Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and Communications Advisor in Penrith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the media and communications field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in communications, whether it’s press releases, speeches, or media strategies. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in public affairs and media management. Tailor your responses to show you understand their vision and can contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make some waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Media and Communications Advisor in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your letter and resume for the Media and Communications Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience in communications, media support, and stakeholder engagement to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that relate to preparing briefing materials and managing media issues.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We want to see your ability to communicate effectively, so make every word count.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Details
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the role's requirements and responsibilities. Brush up on your knowledge of strategic communication, media relations, and public affairs. Being able to discuss relevant projects or initiatives will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Prepare Your Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in preparing communications materials, managing media issues, and supporting executives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face in public affairs. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing situations. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated tight deadlines or unexpected challenges in previous roles, especially in a fast-paced environment like local government.