NOW HIRING

Title: Assistant Digital Media and Communications Adviser
Employment Type: Ongoing Full-Time
Classification: Electorate Officer B
Location: Townsville Electorate Office – NTH QLD

The office of Senator Susan McDonald is seeking applications for a full-time ongoing Assistant Digital Media and Communications Adviser (EOB), based in the Townsville, QLD.

Position Overview

The Assistant Digital Media and Communications Adviser is responsible for planning, creating and delivering high-quality digital-first communications that promote the Senator’s work across social media, online platforms and some traditional media using photography, videography, and graphic design.

This role has a strong emphasis on digital storytelling, social media content creation and audience engagement. Applicants with demonstrated experience producing compelling and innovative digital content are strongly encouraged to apply.

The position plays a key role in expanding the Senator’s digital presence while supporting broader media and communications activities.

The role is primarily focused on producing compelling written, visual and digital content that communicates the Senator’s advocacy, policy priorities, achievements and engagement with the local community. Working closely with the Media and Communications Manager and other members of the electorate office, the position supports the Senator’s public profile through proactive media engagement, strategic communications planning and the delivery of consistent messaging across all communication channels.

The successful applicant will possess exceptional writing and editing skills, sound political judgement, strong creative ability, excellent organisational skills and the capacity to produce accurate, engaging communications in a fast-paced parliamentary environment. The role also requires flexibility, initiative and the ability to identify and respond to emerging communication opportunities and issues.

The key duties of the position include but are not limited to:

Digital Communications and Content Development

• Produce high-quality photography, short-form video, graphic design and multimedia content suitable for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok and emerging digital platforms.

• Develop, implement and maintain the Senator’s strategic communications and media plan.
• Prepare high-quality media releases, newsletters, e-newsletters, website content, opinion pieces, social media posts, advertising material and other communications products.

• Capture photography and video while accompanying the Senator at parliament, community events, industry visits, announcements and official activities.
• Edit video content and produce engaging reels, short videos and other digital assets, both in the office and while travelling.
• Produce engaging print, digital and multimedia content that supports the Senator’s priorities and electorate activities.
• Develop creative digital campaigns that increase public awareness of the Senator’s work.

• Ensure all communications maintain a consistent voice, branding and professional standard.
• Develop communication plans for announcements, campaigns, events and community initiatives.

• Monitor emerging digital trends and recommend innovative communication approaches.

Digital Communications

• Manage the Senator’s digital presence across social media platforms, website and email communications.
• Create, schedule and publish digital content across multiple platforms.
• Produce photography, video and graphic design content suitable for digital and print publication.
• Monitor social media engagement and digital analytics and recommend opportunities to improve audience reach and engagement.
• Maintain and regularly update the Senator’s website and digital communication platforms.
• Develop and maintain an organised digital asset library of photography, video and creative content.

Media Relations

• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with local and regional media.
• Monitor local, state and national media coverage relevant to the electorate and provide regular media summaries.
• Assist in managing communications relating to emerging issues and sensitive matters by ensuring accurate, timely and consistent messaging.

Electorate Engagement

• Promote the Senator’s community engagement through traditional and digital communications.
• Develop promotional material for electorate events, community forums and local campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to increase community awareness of the Senator’s work and achievements.
• Attend community events to capture photography, video and content for publication.

Parliamentary and Office Support

• Monitor local issues and emerging trends and provide communications advice to the Media and Communications Manager.

Other Duties

• Attend community events, which may include evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Undertake occasional interstate travel as required.
• Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position as directed by the Media and Communications Manager.

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, qualifications, and experience:

Desirable but not essential, qualifications and experience include:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media, Marketing or a related discipline.
• Experience managing social media platforms and digital communication campaigns.
• Experience using photography, video and graphic design software to produce high-quality communications.
• An understanding of the Australian political and parliamentary environment is highly desirable.

• Experience producing photography, video, graphic design and multimedia content using industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, Photoshop), Canva, CapCut, Kapwing, DaVinci Resolve or similar.
• xperience interpreting social media and website analytics to improve digital performance.

Employment conditions:

• The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:
• A commencing salary between $76,910 and $89,793 ($79,525 and $92,846 effective from 5 August 2026) will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills.
• An additional optional allowance of up to $20,897 ($21,608 effective from 5 August 2026) may be considered in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work and any travel requirements.
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following:

• An initial probationary period of three (3) months applies and may be subject to extension.
• The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Police History Check.
• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

How to apply

Submit a CV with the names of two referees and a one-page (maximum) cover letter outlining your interest in this position, and demonstrating your skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include examples of their digital communications work, including photography, videography, graphic design, social media campaigns or an online portfolio.

Submit Applications to Office Manager @ tracy.fotinos@aph.gov.au

Applications close on Friday, 31 July 2026.