About us

Tamara Smith MP is the first woman to hold the seat of Ballina and the first Greens MP in a Lower House regional seat in any Parliament of Australia

Our small, passionate Electorate Office team work to support the MP in a fast paced, high demand environment.

We provide exceptional one-on-one support to constituents as well as building strong relationships with organisations and stakeholders to advance the Greens principles of social and economic justice, environmental sustainability, grassroots democracy and non-violence.

About the position

The Communications, Media and Parliamentary liaison will oversee all internal and external communications from the Member, ensuring consistent messaging. The role will also work closely with the Member, advising on and negotiating communications, media and other strategies and issues relevant to the electorate. The role will assist the Member in her portfolio and committee work and require accompanying the member to Sydney during parliamentary sitting weeks.

Key responsibilities

Communications and media

• Develop and execute a public narrative strategy for all Member communications and ensure messaging guidelines are adhered to across all communications channels
• Develop and implement media strategies and identify and pursue proactive and reactive media opportunities
• Write and edit Member outreach materials
• Oversee design, printing and distribution of community engagement collateral
• Manage digital content for Member’s website and social media channels and provide advice to the Member on strategies for better online engagement
• Provide creative direction on Member outreach materials
• Oversee the member’s Communications budget
• Provide administrative support to the Member

Community Engagement

• Proactively identify opportunities for greater community engagement
• Devise and oversee execution of a community engagement strategy
• Build and manage relationships with supporters, members, volunteers, and allies

Parliament

• Provide administrative support to the member during sitting weeks
• Support for the Member when travelling for Parliamentary sitting weeks, education tours and community visits as required
• Undertake policy analyses, portfolio research, and committee preparation as required by the Member

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply even if you don’t think you meet all the selection criteria.

Further information to assist you with applying for this position:

• Position Description
• Parliament of New South Wales website
• NSW Parliament pre-employment requirements

Selection criteria

Essential

• Excellent writing skills including the ability to prepare correspondence and briefing notes
• Proven track record in media and policy work
• Demonstrated online communications and community engagement skills including content creation and administration, website management and social media engagement
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise with community stakeholder groups, government, and non-government organisations
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Capacity to comprehend complex issues, think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances, and demonstrated sound political judgement
• Demonstrated superior organisational skills, strong attention to detail, capacity to exercise judgement and ability to work both individually and within a team environment
• A respect for sensitive and confidential information
• Enthusiasm, initiative and ability to work effectively and amicably under pressure.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Ballina and Byron shire LGAs, the functions of council and key issues impacting our local area
• Experience in policy and advocacy
• Detailed knowledge of and commitment to the policies and principles of The Greens NSW and interest in, and thorough understanding of, the NSW political context
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Experience in community organising