The role

We’re a small but highly effective team of advocates in a young and dynamic organisation. The Media and Communications Adviser will play a key role in bringing our work to the world:

• Developing our brand and media profile and helping our campaign messages regularly cut through to the news cycle
• Providing strategic comms advice and capacity to make our campaigns more impactful
• Supporting our campaigners and partners to be effective spokespeople
• Telling the stories of people impacted by democratic dysfunction and explaining solutions in ways people can relate to

A strong media presence is essential to building the public support and momentum we need to win ambitious reforms for a thriving democracy. This role will be a critical part of our growing team.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the Engagement Team to develop our organisational strategic comms capacity
• Manage the delivery of communications and media activities across traditional and social media channels, ensuring alignment with ADN’s campaign objectives and organisational strategy.
• Advise the campaigns team on media and communications best practice, identifying opportunities to strengthen our public voice and proactively recommending approaches and supporting with comms tactics delivery.
• Write and edit a range of communications outputs, including media releases, op-eds, message boards, reports, web copy and social media content, ensuring high-quality and consistent messaging across platforms.
• Monitor the media landscape, anticipate opportunities and risks, and deliver timely and strategic responses, balancing reactive and proactive media work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors and key media stakeholders, matching stories to outlets and building long-term opportunities for coverage.
• Coach and support ADN staff and partners to be effective media spokespeople, delivering both formal and informal support as needed.
• Contribute to organisational learning by identifying lessons from communications activities and sharing insights to inform ADN’s broader strategy.
• Provide communications advice and support to ADN partner organisations working on shared campaigns.
• Where relevant, manage contractors or agencies to deliver specific communications projects.
  

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience working in media and communications: At least five years' experience working in a media or communications role. Demonstrated ability to independently identify and develop media opportunities, pitch stories, and manage media relationships to achieve campaign communications goals. Existing media networks and relationships.
• Strong communication skills: Demonstrated ability to write high-quality, compelling content for different audiences and platforms, including media releases, opinion pieces, web copy and social media. Confident verbal communicator, able to make a persuasive pitch and support others to communicate effectively. Ability to understand complex subjects and communicate them simply.
• Strategic and proactive mindset: Ability to develop and deliver communications activities that align with broader organisational and campaign strategy. Proactive in spotting opportunities and risks in the media environment, and flexible in adapting approaches based on shifting circumstances.
• Good judgement and ability to manage risk Ability to assess the politics of sensitive or divisive issues, and craft messages appropriately.
• Project management and organisation: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities independently, control resources for their area of work, and deliver high-quality communications outputs on deadline. Takes initiative to optimise workflows and improve practices.
• Contribution to organisational learning and improvement: Ability to reflect on lessons from communications activities and share insights to strengthen future strategy. Willingness to help others learn and to encourage different viewpoints within the team.

Desirable:

• Experience using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for advocacy or campaigning purposes.
• Experience creating multi-platform content (e.g. graphics, short videos) to support campaigns.
• strong relational skills, including the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders

Studies have indicated that individuals belonging to underrepresented groups such as Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Pacific Islander peoples, People of Colour, women, non-binary and gender diverse people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with a disability, tend to refrain from applying for positions if they do not meet all the requirements, unlike the majority of candidates who apply even if they meet significantly fewer criteria. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested. We would love to learn how your distinct experience can enhance our team.

Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we are assessing candidates continuously and may conduct interviews ahead of the closing date. We will close applications once we have selected a suitable candidate.

A position description is attached.