Senior Media & PR Advisor

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Senior Media & PR Advisor. Terms and conditions vacancy

This is a 12 month maternity leave role.

About the business

SANE Australia is a national mental health charity working to support the four million Australians affected by complex mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, severe and enduring mood disorders, OCD and PTSD. SANE's work includes mental health awareness, online peer support and information, stigma reduction, specialist helpline support, research and advocacy.

About the role

SANE is looking for a passionate, results-driven communicator who has a genuine desire to make a difference to the lives of Australians affected by complex mental illness.

The Senior Media & PR Advisor is responsible for working proactively with the media to promote the work of the organisation, raise awareness of the stigma associated with complex mental illness and enhance the reporting of issues relating to suicide prevention and mental illness.

The role also oversees the day-to-day management of the SANE StigmaWatch program. Funded by the Australian Government's National Suicide Prevention Program in partnership with Mindframe National Media Initiative, StigmaWatch (www.sane.org/stigmawatch) promotes the responsible reporting of mental illness and suicide in the Australian media.

Position Description

Media and communications

• Identify and manage media and promotional opportunities for SANE staff and SANE ambassadors

• Develop key messages and manage responses to media enquiries

• Write and disseminate media releases, statements, opinion pieces and promotional copy for specific audiences ensuring optimal coverage and exposure

• Develop, implement and monitor media strategies and tactics to increase media coverage

• Manage SANE's media relationships in a strategic and positive manner to help educate journalists on the responsible and accurate reporting of mental illness

• Build and manage ongoing relationships with journalists, seeking coverage for SANE across all media outlets

• Work with the CEO, GM – Research, Policy and Programs, Director – The Dax Centre, GM – Digital and Communications, and others to respond to major media issues, government and sector announcements and other relevant events

• Develop a media and communications calendar with scheduled media activities across the year, aligning with key mental health activities where relevant (e.g. Mental Health Awareness Week, RUOK? Day, etc)

• Plan, coordinate and evaluate media monitoring on behalf of SANE

• Assist with media enquiries relating to stigma reduction, suicide prevention and mental illness, provide background information, current statistics and, where

appropriate, offer SANE spokespeople for interview and referral to experts, including clinicians

• Prepare briefing notes and provide advice on presentations for the CEO and others as required

Management of the StigmaWatch program

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the StigmaWatch program

• Work with the StigmaWatch Coordinator to respond to StigmaWatch reports and provide media professionals with constructive feedback and advice around the responsible coverage of mental illness and suicide

• Manage StigmaWatch program government funding reporting requirements

• Build and manage ongoing relationships with journalists seeking coverage for StigmaWatch issues across media outlets

• Promote understanding and the use of the Mindframe guidelines by media outlets

• Oversee ‘Working with the media’ briefings, training and support for people with lived experience of mental illness, carers and staff from the mental health sector

Build collaborative relationships with SANE internal stakeholders in the media and mental health sector

• Attend and/or present at relevant conferences and events in order to build

Build collaborative relationships with SANE internal stakeholders in the media and mental health sector

• Attend and/or present at relevant conferences and events in order to build collaborative relationships with media and people from the sector to promote the StigmaWatch program and all SANE activities

• Build collaborative working relationships within the Digital and Communications team and the broader SANE team

Database

• Continually update and manage SANE media and other relevant contacts ensuring that Campaign Monitor and other relevant SANE databases are up to date

• Ensure SANE’s media lists are up to date, accurate and segmented to provide optimum outcomes for SANE’s media communications

People and culture

• Uphold and work within the SANE Values and Behaviors and support a culture that fosters team work and is consistent with SANE's mission

• Adhere to SANE Australia policies and procedures

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in journalism or communications. 5+ years professional experience in journalism, communication, media liaison, public relations or related field preferred.

Experience

• Experience in working across the Australian media and communications landscape, both traditional and online
• Demonstrated ability to develop media releases and liaise with the media
• Experience in analysing and communicating complex information in a clear and timely manner
• Experience in managing program-related activities and reporting back to key stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships
• Experience in developing media contacts and maintaining an existing network of media contacts
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office suite and other online publishing tools

Desirable

• Understanding of the mental health sector and issues relating to mental illness
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector

Capabilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of current and emerging media platforms
• A strong team player and contributor who embraces change
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, maturity, initiative, and diplomacy in responding to inquiries
• High-level interpersonal skills and ability to engage with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively in a small, diverse and busy team with limited supervision
• Keen attention to detail and high level organisational and time management skills to juggle priorities and meet deadlines

To apply for this role, submit a cover letter addressing your relevant experience and a current CV.

Applications close Friday 20 July.