• Do you want to work at an agency where each day reveals new opportunities to work on some of the biggest issues facing consumers and businesses and have opportunities to pursue new and exciting pathways?
• Do you want to work at a place where smart and dedicated people from all walks of life collaborate to work on meaningful matters?
• Want to be part of a media team that engages with the broadest possible range of Australian media and journalists on a wide variety of issues spanning the ACCC’s economy-wide remit?

Then this is the place for you! At the ACCC, we’re proud of the impact we can make together. We understand the responsibilities and challenges that come with a fast moving and ever-changing environment. Our high performing culture is built on a foundation of care, support and inclusion. It’s why we’re driven by connection and collaboration, sharing our skills, knowledge and support with each other freely and frequently. It’s why we prioritise the wellbeing of our people and empower them to work autonomously, flexibly and courageously. At the ACCC, we believe the best version of you is the one that’s true to who you are – and that’s the you we want working alongside us.

We value flexibility, and all roles can be performed from any capital city in a state or territory or Townsville and are available on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, people with disability and those from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What you will do:

Our media team works closely with the senior leadership teams to communicate the agency’s work in the media, with a view to reaching target audiences. We engage with the broadest possible range of Australian media and journalists on a wide variety of issues spanning the ACCC’s economy-wide remit.
We are seeking a motivated and effective media relations practitioner at either the Senior Media Officer (APS 6) or Assistant Director (EL1) level. Candidates are encouraged to apply for the position that best suits their level of experience.
We are looking for someone with a natural affinity for storytelling and the confidence and resilience to engage with media on behalf of a high profile, national enforcement and regulatory body.
You must be comfortable with complex and technical topics, be able to understand their wider context and implications, and be capable of explaining them to a wider audience.
You will have a keen interest in, and a close familiarity with, Australian news media across all platforms, and experience working in media relations, journalism or both.

As either the Senior Media Officer or Assistant Director level, you will:

• Work closely with subject matter experts across a wide range of fields and senior leaders on agency announcements and interviews
• Effectively manage media issues and enquiries on a broad range of topics
• Prepare and publish compelling media releases and pitches that help explain the ACCC’s work to the Australian community
• Coordinate press conferences in support of major ACCC announcements
• Prepare communications plans and contribute to broader cross-branch communications strategies for agency campaigns
• Analyse and report on trends in media and pickup of ACCC stories in the news
• Other duties as required to assist in the effective functioning of the media team and broader Strategic Communications Branch.

In addition to the above attributes, at the Assistant Director level, you will:

• Pro-actively identify opportunities for ACCC media engagement
• Build contacts among key media outlets
• Provide communications advice to peers across the agency
• Work with spokespeople to prepare for interviews, press conferences and other major appearances
• Write and execute communications strategies in collaboration with other teams in the Strategic Communications Branch
• Participate in a roster for on call, out of hours duty.

About you

All candidates are expected to meet the APS Integrated Leadership Profile (ILS) for the classification advertised. Follow the link for more information on the ILS. This role in particular requires:

• Prior experience working in a media relations or journalism role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and clearly to a range of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit technical content and make it accessible to a general audience
• Exercise a high level of attention to detail, responsiveness, accuracy, and maintain a high standard of service
• Excellent organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to organise, plan and prioritise your workload, including managing competing short to long-term deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to support productive relationships including through building trust with all levels of staff at the ACCC and external partners
• A strong understanding of the Australian media landscape and good strategic communications judgment
• A working understanding of Australian legal processes and institutions would be an advantage
• A high level of professionalism, discretion and integrity is also required, consistent with ACCC policies and the APS Code of Conduct
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism or a similar field.

In addition to the above, to be considered for the Assistant Director, Media (EL1) role, you will:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a media relations or journalism role
• Relevant experience in the Australian Public Service would be viewed favourably
• Work collaboratively with other people, including the ability to influence, inform, and manage stakeholder relationships.

To find out more about us and the role, please read the Candidate Kit.

How to apply

You will be asked to respond to the statement of claims of no more than 800 words and submit your resume with key outcomes or what you are most proud of in each role you have held (2 pages maximum).

Salary APS6: $99,562 - $111,590 (plus 15.4% superannuation)

EL1: $123,702 - $136,900 (plus 15.4% superannuation)

Contact Officer: John Barry, 0435 244 103

Applications Close: 11:00pm (AEDT), Sunday 9 November 2025