Media LeadHybrid

• Assist in leading the management of media communication channels for Sydney Water
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity conveniently located at Parramatta, near train station
• Hybrid working options available offering work-life balance

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Media Lead to join the Brand, Media and Marketing team within Sydney Water.

As Media Lead, you will develop, deliver and advise on proactive and reactive external communications which align with Sydney Water’s strategic media and public relations strategies. This position will also promote Sydney Water’s brand and corporate reputation through timely management of emerging issues while contributing to the delivery of organisational objectives. This position will work closely with the strategic communications and government and stakeholder relations teams and internal teams to strategically position the organisation as an industry leader.

Responsibilities:

• Advise Heads of Business and Executive on the management of emerging media issues likely to impact on the organisation.
• Develop timely, accurate and articulate 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.
• Measure and report quarterly on achievements against targets (media).
• Lead the implementation of issues management framework, tracking and reporting.
• Champion a “One Team” approach
• Represent Sydney Water in strategic conversations with the Minister’s Office in respect of issues management and proactive media opportunitites.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders including the Minister’s Office, Shareholder Ministerial Offices and Department of Planning and Environment senior media and communication representatives to optimise opportunities for collaboration and strategic positioning of key policy and emerging issues.
• Develop and implement media training, mentoring, advice and support.
• Develop timely, accurate and articulate 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.
• Work with key stakeholders within Sydney Water to identify and develop opportunities to proactively promote Sydney Water’s brand through positive media stories.
• Provide advice on media messaging and management approaches and escalate issues when required.
• Support and prepare the Managing Director, senior managers and spokespeople with media advice and approved media messaging.
• Keep up to date with emerging media trends and non-traditional media channels and update media and stakeholder strategy accordingly

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree qualifications in communications, journalism, public policy, public relations, business.
• 7-10 years’ experience including working either as a senior ministerial staffer or departmental officer, senior media advisor or senior public affairs advisor in a corporation, government department, statutory authority
• Proven track record in the management of complex stakeholder relationships that operate in a very public arena
• Exceptional writing skills with attention to detail and timely production of media materials
• Extensive experience in complex crisis and issues management with the ability to identify and facilitate strategies to mitigate damage to the Sydney Water brand
• Experience and comfort working in a fast moving and high-pressure working environment characterised by tight and at times, unexpected deadlines
• Proven experience using a range of media and social media platforms, and ability to leverage all media channels in the delivery of media opportunities

This role will require work on weekends and some after-hours work as required as part of an on-call media team, with additional on-call requirements under the Emergency Management Team during any crisis.

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 please contact sophia.catacouzinos@sydneywater.com.au.

Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond the workplace. Here's how we support you:

• Flexible & Hybrid working options.
• Childcare allowances.
• Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Novated lease opportunities.
• Fitness Passport providing access to numerous gyms and pools across NSW.
• Flu vaccinations and discounted health insurance memberships

Closing Date: Monday 6 May 2024

Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process.

Working at Sydney Water

At Sydney Water, we are passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities. We have a proud heritage and progressive future providing world class drinking water and services that are vital to our customers’ quality of life and safeguarding Sydney’s future. We see the world is changing, so we are changing too. 

Our vision is to create better lives through world-class services, and we believe that starts with our people. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve. Our diverse skills, mindsets and backgrounds work together on exciting and challenging projects that make a difference and help ensure Sydney remains one of the most iconic and liveable cities in the world.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and those living in rural, regional, and remote locations.

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

Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities.