Senior Media and Policy Advisor

Queensland Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne is seeking applications for a full-time ongoing Senior Media and Policy Advisor, based in Brisbane, Queensland.

Help us build power in Queensland and win real change!

This is an historic time in Australian politics. The old two-party grip is loosening and people are crying out for a real change. The Greens are growing a movement big enough to seize this political moment and build a fairer country, where we take back control from the 1% and the big corporations, and put power back into the hands of the Australian people.

The future is up for grabs – and it’s a future that you could play a part in shaping.

About Penny

Penny is the Australian Greens’ spokesperson on Primary & Secondary Education; Older People; Social & Government Services; Transition, Regional Development & Northern Australia; and Sport. A public high school teacher for more than 25 years prior to entering parliament, Penny is a staunch advocate for world-class public services and ending the privatisation of education and care. Penny’s electorate office is in Gladstone, Central Queensland.

About the position

The Senior Media and Policy Advisor will be a strategic thinker who is able to connect policy and parliamentary work to media opportunities and political objectives. They will be able to develop media, communications and policy strategies that fit into broader campaign plans and will be able to quickly identify opportunities and respond accordingly. They will build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and be skilled at pitching stories and backgrounding.

The Senior Media and Policy Advisor will also provide timely and strategic policy and legislative advice. An excellent writer and communicator, the Senior Media and Policy Advisor will be able to quickly write speeches, briefings and communications materials, and will contribute to the production of social media content.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you would be required to travel to Canberra, within Queensland and interstate to support the Senator during sitting weeks, budget estimates and other parliamentary business.

The key duties of the position are, but are not limited to

• Develop comprehensive media strategies utilising policy, parliamentary and other levers to support political, campaigning and messaging goals.
• Manage media engagements, prepare media briefings, releases and packs, and proactively develop and pitch stories to journalists.
• Provide advice on media appearances and messaging and prepare interview briefing notes.
• Provide support and accompany Penny to media interviews and public appearances where required.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key journalists, media outlets, and relevant policy stakeholders.
• Provide timely and strategic policy and legislative advice based on Greens policies, aims and principles, advice from the Parliamentary Library and consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders.
• Prepare speaking notes, speeches, policy briefs and parliamentary materials such as questions for Senate Estimates and notes on drafting of amendments and private members bills.

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications, and experience

• Strong media skills and an understanding of the Australian and Queensland media and political landscape
• Excellent writing and research skills. Examples encouraged.
• Highly developed organisational and time management skills, including flexibility and ability to meet tight deadlines and evolving priorities as part of a small team.
• An ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated capacity to quickly comprehend complex issues and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, communication and liaison skills, and experience in managing stakeholder relationships.
• Social media video production and editing skills viewed favourably.
• Existing knowledge of federal parliamentary processes is desired but not essential.
• An understanding of and commitment to Australian Greens values and policies.
• An ability to work irregular hours and to travel interstate as required.
• Greens campaigning experience will be viewed favourably.

Employment conditions

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:

• A commencing salary of between $83,138 and $89,793 plus an additional electorate allowance of up to $27,865 will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following

• An initial probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension.
• The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.
• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

How to apply

Applications should be sent to apply@pennyallmanpayne.com and include a short covering letter addressing your interest in the position and your key skills and experience, and a CV with the names of two referees.  

Applications close on Monday, 18 May. Interviews may begin prior to the closing date. 

For further information please contact Guy at contact@pennyallmanpayne.com.