Media & Storytelling Officer - Remote / Work from Home

• Part-time (0.4 FTE | 15 hrs per week)
  
• Remote work from home, anywhere within Australia
  
• 6-month initial contract with strong potential for ongoing and increased employment as the Foundation grows.

Help australia discover its great southern reef

Stretching more than 8,000 kilometres around southern Australia, the Great Southern Reef is one of the world's most remarkable marine ecosystems. It supports thousands of unique species, millions of livelihoods and coastal communities, and billions of dollars in economic activity, yet most Australians have never heard of it.

The Great Southern Reef Foundation exists to change that.

We’re working to build a national movement that connects Australians with the Great Southern Reef through science, storytelling, education and community engagement. By translating marine science into compelling public narratives, supporting collaboration across research and conservation, and engaging communities, partners and decision-makers, we help build the awareness, partnerships and momentum needed to secure a thriving future for Australia's temperate reefs.

As our organisation continues to grow, we're looking for someone who can help uncover and share the stories that will shape this movement.

about the role

The Media & Storytelling Officer is responsible for identifying, developing and sharing the stories that define the Great Southern Reef.

Working closely with researchers, the Creative Director and project partners, you'll uncover compelling narratives emerging from science, expeditions, communities and policy, then craft these into high-quality editorial content, media opportunities, strategic communications and funding narratives.

Your work will help translate complex science into stories that engage the public, strengthen partnerships, support fundraising and influence national conversations about Australia's Great Southern Reef.

who we're looking for

We're looking for someone who sits at the intersection of marine science, storytelling and journalism.

Someone with enough scientific understanding to recognise what matters, enough editorial instinct to uncover the human story behind the science, and enough communications experience to ensure those stories reach the audiences that can make a difference.

You don't wait for stories to arrive in your inbox - you go looking for them.

You enjoy talking with researchers, asking thoughtful questions, uncovering unexpected angles and translating complex ideas into stories that people genuinely want to read, watch and share.

Whether you're developing a feature article, pitching a journalist, interviewing a scientist, writing a funding narrative or helping shape a national media story, you're motivated by one simple question:

"What's the story that will make people care?"

If you're naturally curious, love learning, and believe powerful storytelling can help drive positive environmental change, we'd love to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Story discovery and development

• Identify compelling stories emerging from research, expeditions, community initiatives, partnerships and policy developments that advance the Great Southern Reef narrative.
• Work proactively with researchers, project partners and the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership (GSRRP) to identify storytelling opportunities throughout the research process, including before publications are released.
• Interview researchers, community members and partners to uncover engaging stories and human perspectives behind the science.
• Research, write and edit high-quality articles, features, case studies and other editorial content for the Great Southern Reef Foundation website, publications and partner communications.
• Develop compelling storytelling that supports funding proposals, partnership materials, reports and other strategic communications.

Media engagement

• Work closely with the Creative Director and GSRRP to identify priority stories, shape editorial angles and develop media opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers and media organisations across print, digital, broadcast and specialist media.
• Develop tailored media pitches, media releases, media briefs and supporting materials.
• Secure earned media coverage across print, digital, radio, television, podcasts and other relevant outlets.
• Coordinate interviews, media appearances and commentary opportunities for researchers, spokespeople and project partners.
• Act as the primary media contact for the Great Southern Reef Foundation, responding to media enquiries and coordinating spokesperson logistics.
• Prepare media kits, background briefings, key messages and talking points to support interviews and media engagement.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE

• Increased earned media coverage featuring the Great Southern Reef.
• Strong, long-term relationships with science, environment and regional journalists.
• High-quality editorial content that effectively translates Great Southern Reef science and stories for diverse audiences.
• Earlier identification and promotion of storytelling opportunities around new research, expeditions, partnerships and major initiatives.
• Increased interview and profile opportunities for researchers, project partners and community voices.
• Compelling storytelling that strengthens partnerships, supports funding opportunities and showcases the Foundation's impact.
• Increased public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Great Southern Reef.

ABOUT YOU

You'll bring many of the following:

• Exceptional storytelling, writing and editorial skills, with the ability to identify compelling narratives and translate complex scientific information into engaging stories.
• Experience in science communication, journalism, media, communications or public relations, ideally within marine, environmental, conservation or research organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop and pitch stories that secure earned media coverage.
• A strong understanding of marine science, conservation or environmental research. Knowledge of Australia's temperate marine ecosystems is highly desirable.
• Existing relationships with journalists across science, environment and regional media are highly regarded.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and confidence working alongside researchers, Traditional Owners, community organisations and project partners.
• A proactive and organised approach, with the ability to work independently while collaborating closely within a small, remote team.
• Natural curiosity, strong editorial judgement and an instinct for recognising stories that will engage audiences and inspire action.

why join us

This is a rare opportunity to help shape how Australia understands one of its greatest natural assets.

You'll work alongside leading marine scientists, filmmakers, educators and conservation practitioners, helping tell stories that influence public understanding, strengthen partnerships and support meaningful conservation outcomes.

As a small and growing organisation, you'll have the opportunity to shape this role, contribute ideas and grow alongside the Foundation. We offer flexible remote working arrangements, a collaborative and supportive team culture, and the chance to make a genuine impact through your work.

NEXT STEPS

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Want to know more? 

For more information about the role, please contact Stefan Andrews (Co-Founder & Creative Director), at stefan.andrews@greatsouthernreef.com using the subject line: Media & Storytelling Officer - Remote / Work from Home enquiry via EthicalJobs or check out our website www.greatsouthernreef.com