Exciting opportunity for a Media & Public Affairs Advisor to join our team!
•Flexible on location
•Hybrid work option
At the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), we represent the incredible pharmacists who are on the frontline of healthcare every day — and we’re looking for a talented Media and Public Affairs Advisor to help promote PSA as a brand and an industry leader.
You will lead PSA's communications, media, and advocacy efforts, develop content, manage media relations and execute campaigns, working closely with leadership and across teams to ensure clear, consistent messaging that elevates the PSA brand.
If you love the buzz of breaking news, enjoy crafting clever and compelling messaging, are strategically minded and can spot a comms opportunity (or risk) from a mile away — we want to hear from you.
About the role:
Communications
* Develop and manage approvals for written communications, including media releases, key messages, media responses, member and internal messages, newsletters, and electronic mail.
* Research and write speeches, columns, editorials and opinion pieces for the National President, CEO, and other key PSA spokespeople.
* Upload and maintain up-to-date communications material related to media and advocacy on PSA’s website.
* Coordinate and write draft posts to engage with PSA’s social media platforms, including the National President’s social media channels.
Media
* Lead national and state/territory media relations, including liaising with journalists, receiving media enquiries, being primary on-call contact with the PSA media phone (during and outside of work hours), organising media responses, obtaining approvals and reporting on media coverage.
* Monitor media and social media activity relevant to PSA and provide reports to the Executive and Board.
* Provide media liaison and social media support for PSA initiatives, including events and conferences.
Advocacy
* Develop and execute PSA Advocacy Campaigns, including for World Pharmacist Day and Thank Your Pharmacist Day.
* Build advocacy capability within the organisation.
* Provide briefing materials for meetings and events for key staff and elected officials relating to media and advocacy issues.
* Develop and write proactive communications to highlight PSA’s advocacy achievements and activities.
* Collaborate to translate key policy positions and documents into advocacy plans and documents.
Public Affairs
* Develop and implement integrated public affairs strategies aligned with PSA’s strategic priorities
* Lead PSA’s national media engagement, acting as the organisation’s primary media strategist. Provide high level support during reactive and crisis situations.
* Lead the communications and media strategy for new PSA products, services, and strategic programs.
What we're looking for:
* At least 2 years’ experience in communication, media adviser, public relations, or government roles;
* Tertiary qualifications in journalism, communications, public relations or similar;
* Understanding of government structures, processes and the Australian political landscape;
* Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communication plans that support strategic objectives.
* Demonstrated ability to create, edit, and distribute high-quality content across all media platforms, including social media, traditional media, internal communications, and corporate publications.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills and demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills to manage a complex workload and competing priorities to achieve desired outcomes within specified timelines.
Desirable
* Strong established network of media and/or government contacts;
* Experience in the health sector and/or with membership-based associations;
* Knowledge of Australian health system and the issues facing pharmacists;
* Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
Why PSA?We’re the national peak body for pharmacists—and we exist to advance healthcare in Australia by empowering our pharmacy workforce. Our people are at the centre of what we do, and we’re proud to support meaningful careers, professional development, and ongoing learning.
Working at PSA means being part of something bigger. We believe in: Making a real difference: You’ll contribute to an organisation with a strong social purpose. Growth and development: We want you to thrive and will support your professional journey. Diversity and inclusion: We celebrate what makes you, you, and are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace.
We’re also committed to the health and safety of our people, which includes requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend PSA offices. Accessibility & Support We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including people with disability. If you need support during the recruitment process, please reach out at recruitment@psa.org.au for a confidential chat. Acknowledgement of Country The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their enduring connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first pharmacists and custodians of the world’s oldest living cultures. PSA may close this ad early if we find the right person—so don’t wait to apply!