Media Relations Specialist

Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country

Go to Our role

Animal welfare science

Caring for animals

Farm animal welfare

Public education

Advocacy

Enforcing the law

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.

Go to Key issues

Priority issue

We are closer than ever to finally…

Live sheep export

News

Here you'll find the latest news relating to the RSPCA's vital work, press releases on national events, education on animal welfare issues, animal welfare science updates and our very own podcast covering a range of current topics.

Go to News

Blog

Media centre

Podcast

Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful

Read the media release

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA

Go to Support us

An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet

Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia

Donate

Learn

The RSPCA aims to make evidence-based research accessible to the community, so that they can have confidence in the choices made when it comes to animal welfare.

Go to Learn

Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2024

Animal Welfare Science Update

Download our latest issue

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Responsible sourcing

RSPCA Approved Standards

RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2024

Through their eyes: Strengthening our…

Learn more

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.

Go to About

Annual reports

Annual statistics

Board & governance

Scholarships

Join our team

Our history

Contact

Read our National Statistics

Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…

Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.

Go to Adopt

Adopting a dog or puppy

Love is Blind

Adopting a cat or kitten

Safe and happy cats

Adopting other animals

Responsible pet ownership

Visit the Adopt A Pet website

Make a difference to a pet’s life today.

Search Adoptapet

Report Cruelty Donate

Full-time, $81,690 plus superannuation

12-month contract with possibility of extension

Office located in Deakin, Canberra; though remote/hybrid working arrangements will be considered.

Work for one of Australia’s most recognised and trusted charities
Reach millions of people through your work every day to create real change
Dedicated team, great working environment, positive and supportive culture

About Us

RSPCA Australia is Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation and one of the nation’s most recognised and trusted organisations. We’re dedicated to making animals’ lives better. With a rich history spanning over more than 150 years, the RSPCA continues to be at the forefront of animal care and protection, advocacy and education, across the nation. RSPCA Australia, the federation’s national body, is a leading source of animal welfare science, and works with governments and industries to progress animal welfare across a range of issues.

Role Overview

The Media Relations Specialist will play a crucial role in managing day-to-day media relations, building relationships with key media contacts, and developing written content to enhance RSPCA Australia’s media presence. This position is responsible for responding to media enquiries, monitoring media coverage, proactively and strategically identifying media opportunities, and working closely with media spokespeople and RSPCA member Society communication teams.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and respond to inbound media enquiries (including managing the media phone and inbox), ensuring that RSPCA Australia’s policies and positions are communicated promptly, accurately and effectively.
Actively identify and action strategic opportunities to improve the volume and quality of the RSPCA’s presence in the media – including media releases, electronic audio-visual releases, direct pitches, op-eds, letters to the editors, requesting updates and corrections, and more. 
Build and develop relationships with key media contacts, to enhance the visibility of RSPCA Australia’s campaigns, initiatives and events through the media.
Work closely with the rest of the Communication and Campaigns team to monitor and report on media coverage and trends, including via media monitoring platforms.
Work closely with media spokespeople (such as the CEO and Science and Policy team) to ensure that they are well trained, well prepared, confident, and best placed to represent the RSPCA’s policies and positions in the media.
Build relationships with and work closely with RSPCA member Society communication teams, to ensure that national media enquiries are responded to in an effective and timely manner.
Contribute to the day-to-day running of the national office where required.
Other duties as reasonably directed.

As a member of a small team, other duties and activities that contribute to the work of RSPCA Australia will be required from time to time or as directed.

Note: This role has primary responsibility for managing day-to-day media enquiries, including routinely holding the media phone and monitoring the media inbox outside of business hours, and as such, significant out-of-hours work will be required.

Experience and Knowledge

Demonstrated experience in a similar media officer role (whether in the public, private, or not-for-profit sector).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience creating content for media such as media releases and confidently liaising with senior staff and journalists.
Proven track record in managing media campaigns and securing media coverage.
Strong track record of sound demonstrated judgement and discretion, with the ability to confidently and effectively manage complex and difficult situations under pressure.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work and contribute as part of a busy multi-disciplinary team.
Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail.
Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for the not-for-profit sector and animal welfare.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements.
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the welfare of animals nationwide.
Supportive and inclusive work culture with opportunities for professional development and growth.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the perfect fit for the role to [email protected] with “Media Relations Specialist” in the subject line.

Applications close 9am Monday 26 August 2024.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.