The key duties of the position include:
The Role
The Media Co-Director is a senior leadership role within the Media and Information Disclosure Branch, responsible for leading a large team while shaping and delivering Defence’s media strategy across a complex, high profile national security environment.
Defence Media operates under a Co-Director model that provides shared leadership for media operations. Each Co-Director leads a distinct priority area – Proactive Communications Strategy or Reactive Media Strategy – while jointly overseeing the overall performance, culture and outcomes of the team.
You will lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering timely, accurate and effective media engagement that supports Government and departmental priorities. The role requires close collaboration with your counterpart Co-Director, working in a true partnership model to deliver consistent, strategic and whole-of-Defence outcomes.
This recruitment process will create a merit pool to fill upcoming vacancies as they arise over the next 18 months.
About our Team
The Media and Information Disclosure Branch leads Defence’s day-to-day media, social media, digital media, speechwriting, website and news operations, as well as the Freedom of Information function. Working alongside the Strategic Communication Branch, the Media and Information Disclosure Branch brings together media, public affairs, social media and digital communication functions to ensure Defence’s messaging is accurate, consistent and high quality across all channels.
Within this environment, the Defence Media team manages a diverse portfolio of proactive communication initiatives, reactive media engagement, major announcements, issues management and high tempo communication requirements. The team works in close partnership with Defence Groups and Services, Ministerial Offices, other government agencies and national and international media organisations.
The work is fast paced, collaborative and deeply connected to the national security environment. We value professionalism, sound judgement, teamwork and a commitment to continuous improvement. As part of the senior leadership of the Branch, you will help foster an inclusive, high performance culture and support a workforce that is dedicated, capable and trusted to deliver on Defence’s communication priorities.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate is a seasoned media professional and senior leader with a proven track record operating collaboratively in high tempo, high visibility media environments. You will bring deep practical experience in managing complex media issues, working directly with journalists, and shaping narratives under pressure. You will pair this with strong leadership capability, sound judgement, and the ability to bring clarity and direction to a dynamic communication environment. An understanding of Defence’s priorities and the broader strategic environment is required to excel in this role.
You will bring:
* Demonstrated real-world media experience, including managing complex media issues; responding to breaking news and anticipating lines of questioning; preparing spokespeople; building relationships and negotiating with journalists to promote accurate and balanced reporting; and providing rapid, accurate advice in time-sensitive situations.
* Strong editorial and news judgement, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and translate complex issues into clear, accurate and compelling narratives, and provide authoritative guidance to a range of stakeholders on how best to achieve this.
* Extensive experience in proactive and reactive media delivery, including developing and executing media strategies, planning announcements, managing enquiries and overseeing high-stakes media engagements, ensuring Defence’s communications are both strategic and grounded in real world operational understanding.
* The ability to partner effectively with senior Defence leaders and Ministerial Offices, providing clear, influential and strategic advice aligned with Government and departmental priorities in national security and politically sensitive contexts.
* Leadership and people development skills, enabling you to coach, upskill and support staff in Canberra and across a geographically dispersed workforce; and contribute to the broader direction, culture and performance of EL 2 communication roles across Defence.
This role requires someone who not only understands the theory of media—but who has lived it, shaped it, and can confidently steer Defence’s media posture in real time, while supporting a national security organisation.
Eligibility
Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 2”.
Getting to know the Department of Defence
The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers