We are recruiting a senior media adviser (ongoing) to join the Department of Education Media Unit. The role sits within the Media Unit in the Public Communications Branch and reports into Early Learning Victoria.
This role will lead the development and implementation of a media strategy to promote enrolment and staff recruitment for Early Learning Victoria; the Victorian Government run early childhood education and care provider.
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
About the Division
The Communications Division collaborates with key stakeholders to strategically shape and deliver communication and community engagement opportunities.
The Division is responsible for the delivery of communications on behalf of the department to support and improve Victoria's education.
The partnership allows the Division to support the Victorian Government priorities in early childhood and school education. This includes engaging with the department's workforce, supporting the implementation of policies and reforms, protecting, and strengthening the reputation of our education and providing communications support and advice to the Victorian Government.
About the Role
We are recruiting a senior media adviser (ongoing) to join the Department of Education's Media Unit. The role sits within the Media Unit in the Public Communications Branch and reports into Early Learning Victoria.
This role will lead the development and implementation of a media strategy to promote enrolment and staff recruitment for Early Learning Victoria – the Victorian Government run early childhood education and care provider. This will include identification of media outlets, development of tailored local media angles, pitching in line with departmental process and develop content for sector and family media partnerships. The role will lead on the response for reactive media issues.
The role will also support the wider media unit and work collaboratively among a team of media experts to manage the department's reputation in the media on reactive and proactive media opportunities across the broader schools and early childhood sectors where appropriate, as well as being on the media team's on-call roster. This includes coverage of the department's 24/7 media phone line on a rostered basis. The role requires the applicant to work varied hours, including evening, early mornings and weekends.
The team of senior media advisers provides media support and advice to more than 1500 schools, Early Learning Victoria centres and represent the Communications Division in crisis and emergency situations.
Attributes
You have a proven track record in managing media enquiries, pitching stories to media, and delivering high-quality work under pressure. Familiarity with media monitoring platforms and established media or government networks is highly valued. Exceptional written and verbal skills allow you to craft messaging for diverse audiences. You exercise sound judgement with confidential communications, pay close attention to detail, and collaborate effectively to build strong relationships across teams, senior leaders and stakeholders. Highly organised and proactive, you're able to manage multiple priorities, identify compelling stories, and improve processes.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidates will hold a qualification journalism or public relations, with several years' experience in a similar role and a strong grasp of the media industry.
Key selection criteria can be found in the position description.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The departm ent values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact
Mark Smith-Briggs, a/Media Manager via
(03) 8688 7750or
[email protected]
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 30th July 2026
