PEL1 - Media Manager

Job Details

Job Title: PEL1 - Media Manager

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 8 June 2026

Contact: Peter Willimott, 0262775652, peter.willimott@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Media Manager.

Located within the Communications and Media section, you will be responsible for leading the management of media activities for the department. To do this you will co-ordinate and provide expert input into responses to media enquiries. You will also monitor media coverage of the department and prepare written work of a high standard.

You must be able to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work quickly and accurately to achieve tight deadlines. You will also be required to contribute to the broader work of the Communications and Media Team.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join the Communications and Media Team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in media management, ideally within or closely connected to government.

You will require a high level of attention to detail and sound judgement, particularly when handling sensitive or time-critical issues. Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment will be required.

A sound understanding of the workings of the Australian Parliament, government and media cycles is highly desirable. Additionally, qualifications in media, communications or a relevant field, or substantial professional experience would be viewed favourably. 

Job Specific Requirements: 

  
•  The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1 

Branch: Parliamentary Communications & Governan. 

Section:  

Immediate supervisor: Director, Communications and Media

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the specified classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.    Lead the management of media activities for the department.

2.    Coordinate and provide input into responses to media inquiries.

3.    Proactively seek opportunities for media coverage of public events and activities at Australian Parliament House.

4.    Monitor coverage of the department in mainstream media and social media and distribute a daily summary of coverage. 

5.    Prepare written work of a high standard, including media releases, articles, responses to media inquiries and internal documents.

6.    Build strong and respectful relationships with internal and external clients and stakeholders. 

7.    Work quickly, accurately and strategically, and contribute to the broader work of the Communications and Media Team as required.

Selection Criteria 

1.    Extensive experience in media, ideally within or closely connected to government.

2.    High level of attention to detail and sound judgement, particularly when handling sensitive or time-critical issues.

3.    Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to produce high-quality media releases.

4.    Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

5.    Demonstrated skills in engaging with stakeholders to build and maintain strong relationships.

6.    Proven ability to manage and mentor staff.

7.    Strong organisational skills with experience in supporting team processes and reporting requirements.

8.    Sound understanding of the workings of parliament house, government operations and media cycles. 

9.    Qualifications in media, communications, journalism,  or a relevant field will be highly regarded.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

Please upload a pitch (500 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
• a competitive remuneration package
• free on-site parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available a APH
• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.

Salary

Currently, the salary range for this position is $123,144 - $140,567 per annum.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at the department are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship: Section 22 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 requires that employees of the Parliamentary Service are generally required to be Australian citizens. However, if you are not an Australian citizen you may be considered for engagement on the condition that you are able to gain Australian Citizenship within a specified time. Failure to obtain citizenship within the timeframe could lead to termination of employment.
  
  
• Loss and resumption of Australian citizenship: Under historical provisions of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 (section 17), some Australian citizens automatically lost their citizenship if they voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country between 26 January 1949 and 3 April 2002. This loss occurred by operation of law and may not have been known to the individual at the time. Although these provisions were repealed in 2002 to allow dual citizenship, the repeal did not restore citizenship that was previously lost. Individuals who believe they may be affected are recommended to seek advice about resuming their Australian citizenship. Further information, is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Applicants who progress to the offer stage with our department who have been affected by the loss of citizenship as outlined above will be required to demonstrate within a reasonable time that they have resumed, or are actively undertaking the process to resume, Australian citizenship.
  
  
• Security clearance and character clearance: the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
  
  
• Health assessment: a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.
  
  
• External Work Approval: Employees must seek approval for any paid employment outside the department and declare voluntary activities that could impact their role.