This is a permanent full-time position commencing May 2026
Part-time working arrangements are not an option for this specific position.
The Communications Directorate is a collaborative and high-performing team of strategists, storytellers and creative thinkers who work together to showcase the impact of public education across Western Australia. Our work is varied and fast-paced – one day developing a statewide public awareness campaign, the next supporting schools to share their stories or manage issues in the media and advising senior leaders on strategic communications.
We value curiosity, creativity and teamwork and our people have the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, build strong networks across the Department of Education and government, and contribute to initiatives that reach schools, families and communities across the state.
Within the Communications Directorate there are 3 branches of expert teams who work closely together to deliver strategic, creative and responsive communications for the Department.
- Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement and Media
- Campaigns and Projects
- Digital Content
This role sits in the Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement and Media team which is responsible for the overarching communication strategy and governance, and manages stakeholder engagement, business and media services for the Department of Education.
Media Relations is specifically responsible for:
- media strategy and advice to senior leaders
- managing both media responses to incidents or contentious issues, positive initiatives in schools and the department, and developing and pitching proactive news stories
- media monitoring and training
The Role
Senior Consultant – Media Relations
We are looking for an experienced media professional to help tell the story of public education in Western Australia.
In this role, you will provide strategic media advice to senior leaders in the Department of Education and in our schools, respond to media enquiries, develop media responses to critical issues as they arise, and monitor coverage.
You’ll bring to the role sound judgement and critical thinking; strong relationships with journalists and other media representatives; and the ability to navigate complex issues quickly to prepare responses on tight deadlines.
Importantly, you will also have a good news sense to identify opportunities to share positive stories from across public education in Western Australia which result in compelling media coverage.
We are looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, understands the pace of the news cycle, and who can combine strategic thinking with practical media skills.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 12% employer contributed superannuation.
- Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including working from home
- Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
- Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
- Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
- Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Liz di Giovanni, Manager, Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement and Media on (08) 9264 5348 or emailing Liz.digiovanni@education.wa.edu.au
We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work with us, you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check
- work outside normal working hours and be on call on a rostered basis to carry out all facets of the role
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
1. Job Specific
Demonstrated experience in media communications, including formulation, implementation, and evaluation of media projects and programs, including analysis and reporting on performance.
Highly developed writing skills
4. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Highly developed research, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems aligned to strategic direction.
5. Team
Proven ability to work collaboratively, mentor and develop others.
Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1032625
Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 1 April 2026
