Manager Media Relations
- Permanent Full-time
- ICE2
- Parramatta location – near train station
- Hybrid working available in line with our Flexible Working - Our Way approach
At Sydney Water, we’re passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities.
About us
We have a proud heritage and a progressive future, providing world class drinking water and beautiful waterways from the mountains to the sea. We see the world is changing so we are changing too. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve.
About the role
Lead the Media team to provide proactive and responsive high-level strategic communications advice to enhance and protect Sydney Water’s corporate reputation, promote Sydney Water as an innovative business and position Sydney Water for continued success in pursuit of its strategy.
Direct reports include: Senior Media Advisor x 2
- Lead the management of media communication channels for Sydney Water to effectively promote the organisations reputation and grow advocacy.
- Represent Sydney Water in strategic conversations with the Minister’s Office in respect of issues management and proactive media opportunities.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders including the Minister’s Office, Shareholder Ministerial Offices and Department of Planning, Industry and Environment senior media and communication representatives to optimise opportunities for collaboration and strategic positioning of key policy and emerging issues.
- Advise the Head of Business and Executive on the management of emerging media issues likely to impact on the organisation.
- Develop and implement media training, mentoring, advice and support.
- Develop responses to media issues, inquiries, and opportunities with other teams (social, internal, community etc) including preparation of media statements, alerts, and releases in a highly effective and timely manner.
- Develop and maintain a media calendar, up-to-date media contacts and relationships with key journalists and media outlets.
- Act as a general media spokesperson.
- Work with key stakeholders within Sydney Water to identify and develop opportunities to proactively promote Sydney Water’s brand through positive media stories.
Working Relationships
Internal relationships include the Managing Director and Executive team, media spokespeople and other teams across Customer Strategy and Engagement, particularly Government, Stakeholder and Community Engagement.
This role liaises with employees from across the business in the proactive and reactive management of media relations. It will also work closely with the Strategic Communications team in developing strategic narrative and the ongoing management of issues that have or are likely to have public or media interest.
Key external relationships include:
- Minister’s Office
- Members of Parliament
- Government Departments and agencies
- Other external stakeholders
About you
Degree qualifications in communications, journalism, public policy, public relations, business.
Experience & Skills:
- 7-10 years’ experience including working either as a senior ministerial staffer or departmental officer, stakeholder engagement manager, senior media advisor or senior public affairs advisor in a corporation, government department, statutory authority or agency with a proven track record in the management of complex stakeholder relationships that operate in a very public arena
- Demonstrated experience and expertise in developing and executing media relations, and/or stakeholder strategies with scanning and providing analysis and advice on socio-political issues and monitoring of the socio-political environment
- Demonstrated experience working in cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive media, public relations and communication strategies and plans
- Exceptional writing skills with attention to detail for the drafting of media reports, presentations, and other communications including an annual media analytics report
- Excellent understanding of government relations at the local, State and Federal level with excellent networks and trusted relationships within the media and across government
- Demonstrated experience using a range of media and social media platforms, and ability to leverage all media channels in the delivery of media opportunities
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and to establish working relationships across all levels
Closing date: Sunday 10th October 2021
Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities
You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. For more information, you can contact recruitment@sydneywater.com.au
Sydney Water welcomes you to apply if you feel you meet the selection criteria. The successful completion of a Criminal History Check and Medical Assessment form part of the application process.
Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process.
We want your perspective and ideas to help us find better ways to delight our customers, so we encourage you to apply no matter your age, sex or culture. You can be part of a committed, highly skilled team who’ll appreciate what you bring to the table. You’ll set and achieve real goals and make decisions that matter, as together we help shape the lifestyle of greater Sydney.
As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community. We look at our Talent Community first when new opportunities come up when you apply for a role. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application