Media & Communications Lead

 Media & Communications Lead  

• Location: Australia-wide 
• Term: Ongoing 
• Full-time: 37.5 hours per week 
• Remuneration: SCHADS Level 6: $120,295 + 12% super + 17.5% Annual Leave Loading  
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply 

Job title: Media & Communications Lead  

Reporting to: Head of Marketing & Media  

Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy. 

Since time immemorial, First Nations and Indigenous peoples have been taking care of their Countries in Australia and the Pacific. These deep understandings, knowledges and experiences are critical to maintaining the health and vitality of Australia and the Pacific’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. EDO respects these great knowledges and strongly believes that EDO cannot achieve a world where nature thrives without working for First Nations and Indigenous peoples.   

The opportunity: 

Apply your media and communications expertise within a values-led organisation that is at the forefront of protecting the environment, advancing climate justice and supporting communities through the law. 

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Media, you will play a pivotal role in shaping EDO's public profile, reputation and influence. You will lead the development and delivery of proactive media and communications strategies that amplify EDO's voice, strengthen relationships with journalists and key stakeholders, and position the organisation as a trusted leader on environmental and public interest issues. 

Candidate Profile: 

Are you an experienced media and communications professional looking to use your skills to drive meaningful change? 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on shaping public conversations and creating impact through strategic communications. You will bring exceptional media instincts, outstanding communication skills and a proven ability to develop compelling narratives that influence public debate. Working across the organisation, you will collaborate with experts in law, science, policy, and fundraising to deliver proactive media opportunities, strategic communications and public engagement initiatives that advance EDO's mission and contribute to a more just and sustainable future. 

If you are looking for a role where your media and communications expertise can help deliver genuine social impact, we would love to hear from you. 

Key Responsibilities include: 

The key responsibilities of the Media & Communications Lead include but are not limited to: 

• Demonstrate ownership and leadership of media and communications services across EDO. 
• Develop and execute proactive and responsive media and communication strategies in alignment with EDO’s brand, values, and strategic objectives. 
• Draft and edit key messages, media responses, media releases, editorials and other communications products as required. 
• Review and respond to briefs for media and communications requests including inbox management. 
• Manage and maintain relationships with journalists across a variety of new and traditional media outlets. 
• Publish media and communications content across owned channels, including EDO’s website. 
• Evaluate the success of communications initiatives and provide timely reports on impact. 
• Manage media monitoring tools and subscriptions, ensuring timely access to coverage across the organisation. 
• Support media training and maintaining a register of experts across the organisation. 
• Liaise with experts across the organisation to ensure content accuracy and maintain strong brand trust.  
• Work closely with Marketing, Philanthropy, and Data and Insights teams to develop complimentary earned media and communications strategies. 
• Maintain records in accordance with EDO’s privacy and record-keeping practices. 
• Maintain systems and processes for the delivery of earned media campaigns. 
• Assist with other communications activities as required. 

Key selection criteria: 

Essential: 

• 7+ years demonstrated experience in media relations, journalism, public relations and/or communications. 
• Proven ability to develop and execute proactive media and communication strategies with measurable outcomes.  
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing high-quality media and communication plans, statements, opinion pieces, key messages, briefing notes, speeches and other communication materials for a range of external audiences. 
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, media outlets and key stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated experience identifying, pitching and delivering meaningful media opportunities. 
• Demonstrated reputation and brand management across traditional and new media outlets.  
• Proven ability to provide strategic media advice to senior leaders and subject matter experts while responding to complex or sensitive issues in a fast-paced environment.  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities while exercising sound judgement, maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality work.  
• Experience managing crisis communications or reputation management. 
• Strong understanding of the Australian media landscape, current affairs and the role of media in influencing public policy.  

Desirable: 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit, advocacy, government, legal or public policy sectors.  
• Experience in high-profile litigation communications. 
• Knowledge of digital communications platforms and media monitoring and evaluation tools.  
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media or a related discipline. 

Personal qualities and cultural competency 

• A champion of the EDO values. 
• Strong initiative and self-motivation. 
• Commitment to the protection of human rights and the environment. 
• A strong sense of ethics and understanding of professional obligations. 
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of First Nations and peoples from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations in both the delivery of our work and our internal culture. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment. 

Our Culture and Benefits:   

We care deeply about creating a workplace where our team members feel valued, respected and empowered. We are committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or life stage. 

• The chance to be part of the largest environmental legal practice in the Australia-Pacific. 
• A very flexible and family-friendly workplace. 
• Option to work from home. 
• 8 weeks paid parental leave, regardless of gender or carer status. 
• 15 days personal/carers leave. 
• 20 days annual leave. 
• 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave per year. 
• 3 days paid cultural leave per year. 
• Extra paid leave over the Christmas period. 
• Opportunities and encouragement to attend NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week events including paid leave.  
• ICIP and Colonial Loading protection within employment contract. 
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program. 
• Ongoing professional development opportunities. 
• EDO proudly has a JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) Committee and a Mental Health Ambassador Committee, and has developed a First Nations Program with the aid of indigenous-led consultancies.  
• Three Affinity groups for the following: Disability, Global Majority* and LGBTQIA+  

*Global Majority is a collective term that first and foremost speaks to and encourages those so-called, to think of themselves as belonging to the majority on planet earth. It refers to people who are Black, African, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or, have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’.   

Our Values 

Commitment – We are committed to; a united organisation, to each other, to collaboration, to justice, to our communities and to creating a world where nature thrives.   

Diversity – We are respectful of and welcome diversity of staff, volunteers, offices, environmental regions, communities, stakeholders.   

Integrity – We work effectively, efficiently, strategically, professionally, and ethically; “justice is in our nature”.   

Vision – We lead change and environmental empowerment using innovation, creativity, and courage.   

How to Apply 

• Apply via our website or by clicking ‘Apply here’: https://www.edo.org.au/jobs/  
• To review the position description, please see this link: https://www.edo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EDO-Position-Description-Media-Communications-Lead-August-2026.pdf  

If you have queries regarding this advertisement, please contact us at ***********@edo.org.au  

Applications will close at 9:00AM AEST on Monday, 24 August 2026. Applications will be assessed as they are received so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.  

Applications must include a CV and a letter that clearly addresses each of the key selection criteria above. 

The Key Selection Criteria show the minimum essential requirements of the position. The desirable criteria outline additional attributes which would enable the successful candidate to perform the role more effectively; they are not essential but may be used to distinguish between applicants during the shortlisting process.    

EDO particularly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Pacific Island people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, workers of all ages, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.    

Please note: Your application may be considered for future roles at the EDO within the next 12 months without additional advertising. Please notify us in your application if you would not like to be considered for similar roles beyond this recruitment. 

If you have any accessibility needs for the recruitment or interviewing process, please let us know in your application or by emailing ***********@edo.org.au.   

Other Information 

All offers of employment may be subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check, disclosure of previous or current disciplinary action, referee checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks.