Applications are invited for the position of Media and Communications Adviser in the Office of Dr Helen Haines MP, based in the Member’s Electorate Office in Wangaratta, VIC or Wodonga, VIC. This is a full-time role, offered as a non-ongoing 12-month contract to cover a period of parental leave.

Position Overview

The successful applicant will manage all aspects of Helen Haines MP's media and communications.

As a senior member of a passionate and ambitious team, the Media and Communications Adviser will set media strategy and be responsible for communicating the MP’s work through traditional media, digital media and direct communications.

This is a dynamic position which will suit a person with a background in media, journalism or politics, looking for their next challenge doing diverse and meaningful work.

The successful applicant will have a passion for the future of Indi and regional Australia, and an appreciation of the role of independent politicians and community-driven grassroots democracy.

This role requires a high degree of initiative, loyalty and flexibility, as well as travel to Canberra during sitting weeks and around the electorate with the MP, with occasional irregular work hours, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

The key duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

Develop and implement an overarching media and communications strategy for the MP including an annual budget for printing and communications expenditure.

Research and draft media statements, media responses, speeches, newsletters, website copy, and advertising copy.

Prepare, develop and manage media events, including press conferences, TV, radio, recurrent or ad hoc interviews, ensuring the MP is fully prepared.

Researching policy issues, preparing policy briefings and advising the MP on policy positions.

Oversee the management of the MP’s social media pages including preparing posts, monitoring comments and responding as appropriate.

Coordinate with the Digital Communications and Campaigns Officer regarding digital communications as appropriate.

Provide and execute strategic media and messaging advice, including responses to urgent or crisis incidents.

Proactively develop stories and curate leads with constituents and stakeholders.

Build strong working relationships with local and national journalists.

Media monitoring to ensure MP and staff are kept up to date with relevant news.

Set audience and reach targets, and monitor growth and metrics.

Promote, support and maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

All other responsibilities as lawfully directed by the Chief of Staff or the MP.

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications and experience:

1. Experience working as a media adviser or journalist, and tertiary qualifications in journalism, media, communications, law, arts or public policy.

2. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills across a variety of mediums, including media statements, talking points, social media, newsletters, advertisements and other copy

3. Experience working with web content management systems and/or social media, including growing audiences and executing digital advertising strategies.

4. Proven ability to think strategically and creatively and adapt and respond to rapidly changing circumstances.

5. Demonstrated capacity to research, analyse and communicate complex issues to a range of audiences.

6. Strong time management and prioritisation skills.

7. Ability to work as both part of a close-knit team and autonomously.

8. Exceptional ability to proactively develop relationships with stakeholders.

9. Well-developed sense of political acumen and demonstrated understanding of working within a political environment, including the Australian political system and topical political issues.

10. A passion for the future of Indi and the value of the community-driven independent representation.

11. Demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Employment conditions

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:

A commencing salary between $88,160 and $99,305 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.

An additional allowance up to $39,475 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work and any travel requirements.

Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).

An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following:

An initial probation period of three months will apply.

The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.

Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.

The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

How to apply

Provide the details of two referees, upload a CV and a two-page (maximum) cover letter highlighting your interest in this position, and demonstrating your skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience as they relate to those listed above to [email protected].

For further information please contact Sally Whyte at [email protected] or 03 5721 7077. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an interview and written exercise.

Applications close: Friday 31 August 2025 at 5pm.