Media Manager

Posted: 24/9/2024

Closing date: 15/10/2024

Job type: Ongoing

Full time / Part time: Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Canberra

Salary classification: Level 8 $128,477 – $142,855 (including up to 17% superannuation)

About the Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished Australian scientists. For over 70 years the Academy has championed science for the benefit of all.

We are a non-government not-for-profit organisation convening the country’s leading experts from broad scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy that informs government policy, aids decision making across industry, guides public debate, supports STEM education outcomes and contributes to global science.

The Academy’s offices are located in Canberra in the ACT, operating out of two iconic heritage listed buildings, the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in the centre of the city.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Academy Fellows and employees live and work, and to their elders, past and present.

Our culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff. We promote a culture that supports collaboration, initiative and ingenuity, investing in staff to nurture and develop them as professionals.

Employee benefits

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support.

Benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• free parking in the city
• up to 17% superannuation
• salary packaging options
• flexible working hours
• paid Christmas closedown
• employee assistance program
• professional development support.

About the role

The Media Manager is responsible for managing a range of Academy media channels to ensure they contribute to and support the delivery of the engagement strategy. This involves contributing to and leading digital communication campaigns, management of a dynamic publishing schedule, carefully crafting messages to be accurate and engaging, promotion through media and public relations opportunities, activities and events, strong stakeholder engagement and the monitoring and assessment of analytics to optimise outcomes. 

The Media Manager works in close collaboration with stakeholders, including the Chief Executive, to develop approaches to engagement, collaboration and innovation that creates high quality, relevant and responsive information to promote an awareness and appreciation of science and its importance in addressing societal issues. 

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Engagement, this role will:

• lead media relations including identifying opportunities for proactive media engagement, writing and pitching media releases, opinion pieces, media inquiry responses, talking points and drafting strategic media plans and delivering effective proactive and reactive/issues management media strategies  
• protect and enhance the Academy’s reputation by providing strategic media advice and media training to the Academy’s Executive Committee and leadership team, Fellows and other Academy staff and stakeholders as required  
• establish, maintain and develop trusted relationships with journalists, ministerial/government and other key science sector stakeholders and maintain a contemporary understanding of these stakeholders’ priorities  
• act as the Academy’s key media contact, including occasional out of hours contact and reactive media 
• monitor and report regularly on the Academy’s presence in the media including measuring the impact of the Academy’s media coverage against the Academy’s strategic objectives and maintain an understanding of emerging issues in the Academy’s external operating environment 
• analyse data, identify gaps and provide strategic advice to the Director, Engagement for communications content and platform improvements, not just limited to media-related content 
• manage, guide and support the Communications and Media Adviser, fostering a high performing team with a continual improvement mindset. Set expectations, manage performance and support staff development 
• liaise regularly with staff and Fellows across the Academy and contribute to the development of other Academy communications content and plans as required and undertake other duties as directed, including sharing duties with other staff from time to time 
• proactively model and uphold the Academy’s organisational values and articulate and actively work to support the Academy’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and development of a positive workplace culture in which all staff are supported to achieve excellence. 

Qualifications and experience

• Tertiary-level qualification or equivalent experience in media, public relations, science communications or related discipline is desirable.  
• Substantial experience in a related role is essential. 
• Strong networks and connections in media. 

Selection criteria

• Significant professional experience in media, journalism and/or public relations. 
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team (remote and onsite). 
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for broad science concepts and science communication. 
• Experience in a variety of media platforms and the ability to adopt new platforms rapidly. 
• Exceptional writing skills, strong design knowledge and ability to work with style guidelines, including excellent attention to detail. 
• Ability to produce high quality reports of results to inform strategy and create impact. 
• A demonstrated commitment to workplace diversity, workplace participation, WHS and equity principles. 

Contact Details

Further information on the position is available by contacting us at hr@science.org.au

Applications

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• your resume  
• a statement of claims summarising how you believe your skills and experience would be a good fit for the role (max 2 pages please).

Please apply here.

Please note the Video Interview is OPTIONAL and will not be used for shortlisting purposes.

Applications close 9am (AEDT) Tuesday 15 October 2024.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment.  The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.