- Shape the voice of Victorian business in a high-profile media role.
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Advise senior leaders on media, reputation and public affairs.
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Lead proactive communications on issues that impact business.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is seeking a Manager, Media to lead media engagement across the Victorian Chamber and Committee for Melbourne. This is a high-impact role for a strategic communicator who can provide trusted advice to senior executives, build strong media relationships and translate complex policy, economic and business issues into clear, compelling public communications.
About us
We are the most influential, independent business body in Victoria, with a strong network of more than 100,000 small, medium and large businesses, sole traders and entrepreneurs. Our members and customers choose us because we are trusted experts in workplace relations, training, international trade, work health and safety and wellbeing, networking events and policy development. Putting members first in everything we do, our teams provide exceptional customer service to advocating for business interests at all levels of government. The Victorian Chamber works for the success of our members, business and Victoria.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief of Policy & Advocacy, the Manager, Media will lead the media function across the Victorian Chamber and support the Committee for Melbourne. The role is responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputation of both organisations, providing strategic communications counsel to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, and positioning both organisations as authoritative voices for Victorian business. In this role, you will be responsible for the development and execution of proactive communications strategies that support organisational objectives, influence public debate, build stakeholder confidence and deliver meaningful outcomes for members and the Victorian business community.
This role will suit someone who is commercially aware, politically astute and confident operating in a fast-moving media environment. You will be comfortable managing proactive media opportunities as well as sensitive, complex or high-profile issues, including providing communications support outside standard business hours when required.
Key responsibilities
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Lead media relations, corporate affairs and reputation management across the Victorian Chamber and Committee for Melbourne.
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Provide strategic communications advice to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and other organisational spokespeople.
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Develop and execute proactive media strategies for major announcements, policy launches, research reports, campaigns and organisational initiatives.
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Build and maintain trusted relationships with metropolitan, national, regional and digital media outlets.
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Manage inbound media enquiries and coordinate timely, accurate and aligned responses.
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Prepare media releases, official statements, background briefings, speeches, presentations and media alerts.
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Partner with Policy & Advocacy to translate complex policy, economic and legislative issues into clear public communications.
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Lead issues management and crisis communications activity to protect organisational reputation.
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Monitor and report on media performance, emerging issues, communications outcomes and reputational risks.
About you
You are a confident, credible and highly capable media professional with sound judgement, strong writing skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. You understand the Victorian, National and International political, economic and business environment and can quickly identify media opportunities, risks and public positioning considerations.
To be successful, you will bring demonstrated experience in media relations, corporate affairs, strategic communications or public affairs, ideally in an environment where policy, advocacy, government, business or public issues intersect.
You will also bring
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Proven ability to provide trusted communications advice to senior executives and organisational spokespeople.
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Strong media networks and experience working with metropolitan, national, regional and digital media.
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Experience preparing media releases, speeches, statements, briefings, messaging frameworks and executive communications.
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Experience in crisis communications, issues management and reputation management.
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The ability to translate complex information into accessible, compelling communications.
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Highly developed judgement, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
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The flexibility to provide communications support outside standard business hours when required.
Please note that the successful applicant/s will be subject to a range of pre-employment checks including a satisfactory police check, work related references and evidence of working rights as a pre-condition of employment.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to play a visible and influential role in shaping the voice of Victorian business. You will work closely with senior leaders, policy experts, media and key stakeholders on issues that affect businesses across the state, while contributing to an organisation that values impact, accountability and doing what others don’t.
How to apply
If this sounds like you, please apply online under the Careers section of our website, www.victorianchamber.com.au/careers. Applications, including a cover letter addressing the question “How would your media relations, issues management and strategic communications experience help strengthen the voice and reputation of the Victorian Chamber and Committee for Melbourne?” should be addressed to the HR Team and will close on COB Sunday 19 July 2026, or earlier if we receive a significant response – so please apply as soon as possible.
The position description can be found under the Careers section of our website.
