Communications Manager - Media and Editorial (PLMSP - Palladium) Project Overview: The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a signature initiative for the Australian Government that enables workers from 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Timor- Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia.
The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program's (PLMSP) role is to provide the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and governments in 9 PICs and Timor-Leste with support to enable workers to access PALM scheme in inclusive ways that maximise the benefits for the workers and national economies while minimising risks from labour mobility participation.
Palladium is contracted to deliver PLMSP on behalf of DFAT.
Role Overview: In this highly strategic and influential position, the Communications Manager – Media and Editorial will be responsible for developing high-level media strategies that protect and enhance the reputation of the PALM scheme in Australia, the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
Engaging with the PLMSP Communications Lead to inform and build understanding amongst stakeholders in the Pacific islands and Timor-Leste, the position will influence perceptions, manage risks and promote the benefits and achievements of labour mobility.
The manager will develop locally relevant place-based media and engagement strategies across a range of print, broadcast and digital formats including local and regional media, trade and industry media, and social media.
This position provides line management of the Editorial and Media Coordinator, and provides opportunity to provide training, mentoring and coaching to more junior colleagues, as well as support with upskilling staff in media relations and other communication activities.
This is a fixed term opportunity required for 2 OR 4 years with possibility of extension.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The Communications Manager – Media and Editorial will be responsible for: Draft key messages, media releases, case studies, talking points and backgrounders.
Identify story and photo opportunities, undertake content planning, and maintain content development calendars for PLMSP and partner channels.
Copy edit, edit and proofread internal and external documents ensuring editorial quality control.
Supervise the media monitoring and reporting on communications activities, including drafting the monthly and biannual media reports.
Engage and collaborate with the broader PLF team and identify opportunities to increase the impact of their activities though communication.
Required Qualifications: Successful candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience: Relevant tertiary qualification in journalism or public relations with experience in stakeholder engagement, crisis communications or an equivalent combination of relevant experience.
Demonstrated media relations experience, including the ability to liaise with journalists, produce media backgrounders, pitches and press releases, and an understanding of the Pacific media environment.
Experience working on aid programs and/or whole-of-government (WOG) initiatives, and a subsequent understanding of reporting, public diplomacy and representation requirements, with experience working in the Pacific desirable, but not essential.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder mapping and engagement to create targeted communication and marketing strategies.
Experience in managing communication teams and technical inputs, including sub-contractors.