Senior Media Officer

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Media Officer who will be responsible for developing and delivering proactive and reactive media strategies and associated materials to inform members and other key stakeholders of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) milestones and decisions. 

About LGNSW

LGNSW is the peak body for councils and related organisations in our State. LGNSW advocates on behalf of members and their communities on policy to decision makers at state and federal levels. We also provide a comprehensive range of services to our members including industrial relations representation, management services and training.

About the role

Reporting to the Manager Public Affairs, the successful candidate will support the management and delivery of diverse public affairs and media activities to promote the work of LGNSW. Key aspects of the role will involve:

• Generating regular media releases and weekly newsletter content to enhance and promote the vital role of local government in building strong communities and to strengthen the reputation of LGNSW.
• Supporting management in providing strategic communication advice by monitoring media, preparing material for public engagements, and responding to media issues and inquiries promptly.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, internal and external to deliver engaging content that highlights essential LGNSW information. 
• Liaising with Member Councils and with LGNSW Advocacy staff to identify potential news stories from within the local government sector. 
• Providing daily summaries of relevant media items mentioning local government (weekdays only).
• Managing crises collaboratively with a strategic focus that is aligned with LGNSW’s vision and values.

What we offer

LGNSW offers a competitive salary to be negotiated. 

We also offer:

• A hybrid way of working – enabling employees to blend their work between the office and home.
• Monthly RDOs and 2 extra days wellbeing leave - supporting our employees to live a happier, healthier and well-balanced life. 
• Salary-sacrificing options - enabling our employees to reduce their taxable income. 
• Extra insurance - offering eligible employees extra insurance coverage including Death, TPD, and Income Protection Insurance.

About you

You will have highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to negotiate, influence and build strong networks with stakeholders. You will have an in depth understanding of the local government sector and demonstrated experience crafting media communications and working directly with the media to deliver government communications. Your strengths will be your ability to adapt your workload to manage competing priorities. 

Essential Requirements

• Degree in relevant field or equivalent demonstrated experience in journalism, media relations or public relations in a complex environment.
• A high standard of communication skills in both a written and verbal format for internal and external delivery of information.
• Demonstrated experience in leading communication and media projects utilising multiple communication channels.
• Highly developed organisational and time management skills, demonstrated ability to organise work, manage time, determine priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality work within strict deadlines with minimal supervision, as well as working on multiple projects as part of a small multi-skilled team.
• Experience dealing with Government officials, ministerial advisors, and media outlets.
• Experience working with a NSW council or another local government entity is preferred.
• Available after hours, with weekend work required on rare occasions.

Join our team

To apply, please visit Work for LGNSW, review the Position Description and submit your application to ****@lgnsw.org.au. 

For further information, please contact Bronwen Regan, Manager Public Affairs on 02 9242 4***.

Applications close at midnight on 7 April 2024.

LGNSW is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce that reflects the community and members we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, marital and family status or disability.