The Policy, Media and Parliamentary Support Officer will provide high level support to Max Chandler Mather MP on housing policy and communications.

This role will provide advice on policy matters, support local and national campaign initiatives, and support the Electorate Office strategic objectives. This role oversees and drives the MPs communications on housing policy via written materials, media and some social media. A strong understanding of Greens housing policy will be essential and experience in high-level policy work and/or media or journalism will be highly advantageous. This role will be based in Brisbane and include travel to Canberra during most sitting weeks.

About you:

An understanding of Australian politics, alignment with progressive Greens values, a commitment to making positive change, strong communication and professional relationship management skills, professional integrity, and a track record as a flexible team player are essential requirements.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Carrying out research in policy areas relating to Housing and Homelessness.
• Management of all parliamentary activity including legislation advice, preparation and amendments, policy briefs and proposals for the Party Room, committee work and inquiry preparation and reports, Senate Estimates, Private Members’ Bills, Motions, Speech Notes, Parliamentary Groups and Associations, etc.
• Advice and support in negotiations with other parties, including government and shadow ministerial offices and staff.
• Management of stakeholder relationships in areas of priority including working with the office manager on organisation and attendance at meetings.
• Providing timely information to campaign staff within the office.
• Assisting with materials production on Housing and Homelessness.
• Preparing materials for other offices on portfolio issues.
• Maintaining relationships with key media contacts.
• Work closely with the Leaders’ Office to identify and maximise media and policy profiles.
• Pitch proactive media stories to journalists.
• Manage media enquiries and write media releases, letters to the editor, interview briefing notes, speeches and opinion pieces and articles for selected publications.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience;

• A demonstrated understanding of the Australian media landscape and operations, OR demonstrated understanding of of the Australian political system and topical political issues
• Experience in developing and implementing media strategies and proactive media networks OR experience dealing with legislation and the parliamentary program
• 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
• 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
• Computer skills in word processing, database packages and email
• 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;

• A commencing salary of $80,757, with an additional allowance in recognition of additional hours worked on occasion, of up to ESA 8 ($16,707 per annum)
• 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
• Travel allowance will be paid for each night of travel required in line with the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023
• This is a non-ongoing contract covering maternity leave, and will commence as soon as possible (but no later than Monday 5 June) for 12 months, with possibility of extension.

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.

Should you have further questions, please contact Mel McAuliffe at [email protected] using the subject line: Policy, Media and Parliamentary Support Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs, or call on (07) 3397 1674.

The Australian Greens are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from any interested and qualified people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. We don’t discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. We welcome people with lived experience of racism and those from diverse communities to apply for all our roles.