Senior Communications and Media Advisor

This is an exciting opportunity to join Queensland's peak body for the community services sector and play a leading role in shaping communications that influence decision-makers, strengthen communities and advance social justice outcomes across Queensland.

About us

The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is Queensland's peak body for the community service sector. Our vision is to achieve equality, opportunity and wellbeing for every person, in every community.

We are a conduit for change, bringing people together to influence policy, strengthen the community service sector and advocate for fairer outcomes for Queenslanders. Through collaboration, advocacy and evidence-based policy, we amplify the collective voice of our members and partners.

About the role

The Senior Communications and Media Advisor provides strategic communications, media and editorial expertise to support QCOSS’ advocacy priorities, stakeholder engagement and organisational objectives.

Working closely with the Director Communications and Media, CEO and colleagues across QCOSS, the role leads the development of clear, compelling and evidence-based messaging, communications plans, media opportunities and content that strengthen QCOSS’ reputation, profile and influence. The role also provides media leadership, editorial oversight and specialist advice to ensure QCOSS communications are timely, consistent, accessible and aligned with organisational priorities.

About you

You are a highly skilled communications professional who combines strategic insight with exceptional writing and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy or a related discipline, and a minimum of seven years’ relevant experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs or corporate communications.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic communications advice and developing communications plans, messaging and materials that support organisational priorities, advocacy objectives and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to prepare media releases, statements, opinion pieces, briefing notes, speeches, presentations and stakeholder communications.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy, advocacy or social issues into clear, compelling, accessible and evidence-based communications for diverse audiences.
• Proven experience identifying, securing and managing media opportunities, including building productive relationships with journalists, editors, producers and media organisations.
• Strong editorial judgement, with experience reviewing and improving high-profile communications materials for clarity, consistency, accuracy, accessibility, tone and impact.
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, executive leaders, external stakeholders, campaign partners, contractors and sector members.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate contributions from others and deliver high-quality work within agreed timeframes.
• Demonstrated judgement, discretion and professionalism in managing sensitive communications, reputational issues and competing organisational priorities.
• Confidence using digital and AI-enabled tools to improve communications planning, drafting, editing, workflow efficiency and content quality, with sound judgement about accuracy, privacy, ethics and organisational risk.
• A strong commitment to QCOSS’ values of strength, optimism and respect, and a demonstrated commitment to social justice and the community services sector.

In addition, the following mandatory requirement applies:

• Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

What you will get

QCOSS offers a flexible, supportive and values‑driven workplace.

• Full-time (38 hours per week) permanent position
• Salary: QCOSS/QSU Certified Agreement Level 7 – $129,734 to $135,159 per annum dependent on experience
• 13 per cent superannuation and salary packaging
• Flexible working arrangements including work from home, flex time and time off in lieu.

Find out more

The position description and selection criteria can be found on the QCOSS website or by emailing jobs@qcoss.org.au using the subject line: Senior Communications and Media Advisor enquiry via EthicalJobs. For further information, please contact the Director, Communications and Media on (07) 3004 6900.

Inclusion and diversity

QCOSS is an inclusive employer. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work and support their right to self‑determination.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is recognised and celebrated. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disability.

We respectfully request no recruitment agency approaches.