Senior Manager Media and Communications, Clerk Grade 11/12, Wollongong
- Lead a dynamic team of media and communications specialists, drawing on your strong expertise in this field
- Work in a volunteer-based agency supporting communities of NSW
- Join a team with direct impact to operational preparedness and response during emergencies
- Full time ongoing role in Wollongong
- Total remuneration package up to $228,936 pa
About the opportunity
As the Senior Manager Media and Communications, you will lead a team responsible for the delivery of agency wide media, internal and external communications, website and digital content and public affairs.
This role develops and embeds the agency’s strategic media and communications initiatives that support organisational objectives, strengthens stakeholder confidence, and enhances public trust. Stakeholder engagement is a key element to this role, working alongside members of the SES leadership team, our volunteers and staff, together with external stakeholders such as the Minister’s Office, other emergency service agencies and media.
This influential leadership role oversees media and public information during operational emergencies, ensuring timely and accurate communications are provided to our members and communities during floods, storms, tsunami and other emergencies. The role also provides expert advice on complex communications and reputational issues, and drives best-practice communication frameworks, policies and governance.
About the NSW SES
Our Mission: NSW SES saving lives and creating safer communities.
Our Vision: A trusted volunteer-based emergency service, working together to deliver excellence in community preparedness and emergency response.
The NSW SES serves the community as the lead agency for Floods, Storms and Tsunamis. We are recognised as the most versatile and widely used emergency service organisation in NSW. Our volunteers are highly skilled, experienced, and well- trained in the wide variety of roles they perform.
With over 11,000 volunteers we are committed to protecting and supporting the diverse communities of NSW. Learn more here.
About you
To be successful in this role you will:
- possess extensive knowledge and experience in leading communications, media and public affairs within complex, high profile environments;
- have demonstrated experience in leading a team of media, communications and public affairs specialists;
- be a confident communicator and advisor on all media and communication matters, together with experience working with senior members of an agency/organisation;
- have experience working with media and other public facing entities to deliver critical and time-pressured communications;
- have experience in the successful delivery of media and communications strategies including reputational and contentious issues management.
What we can offer you
- You will enjoy a 35-hour work week, with the potential for flexible work arrangements.
- You can enjoy a hybrid work environment, time in the office and time working from home – minimum 3 days p/week in the office.
- Attractive salary range of $154,231 to $178,369 + 15% field allowance,
12% superannuation and leave loading.
- Our work is meaningful and rewarding. The SES’s mission is saving lives and creating safer communities, and you can be an important part of our work.
- We have attractive leave entitlements including parental, sick, flex and recreation leave.
- We care about our people. We have Mental Health & Wellbeing programs and services to support our people and operational and leadership training and development opportunities to develop our people. Some of these include:
- Fitness Passport
- LinkedIn Learning
- Member Assist Program for free confidential counselling support
- Vaccination program
You Belong Here
- We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
- We want our people to reflect the diverse community we serve and are committed to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace. We want to know what this looks like for you so we can support your success at work.
- If you require reasonable adjustments, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you feel you may require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] for confidential advice on options.
How to apply
Your application should include as separate attachments:
- A cover letter (maximum of one page) briefly responding to the essential requirements and your interest in the role;
- Responses to each of the targeted questions (maximum of one page per answer); and
- An up-to-date resume of no more than four pages detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role.
Targeted Questions
- Describe a time where you required to lead a team in delivering clear messages to a range of internal and external stakeholders including the media. How did you approach the situation?
- Outline your experience in developing and embedding strategic initiatives and frameworks to deliver on effective media and communication outcomes. Also include in your response, how you managed a team to deliver on these strategies.
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about this opportunity, please Georgina Penning, Senior Staff Officer on 0438 662 333.
The role description is available here.
Talent Pool
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months. Further information here.
Applications close: Monday 17th August 2026
