Media & Communications Advisor

The role will support and drive positive awareness through pro-active and re-active media, and stakeholder engagement.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporate (MAP Co) is the State Government agency responsible for overseeing the delivery of the Melbourne Arts Precinct (MAPT) project as well as the operations, programming, promotion and maintenance of Fed Square.

MAP Co is overseeing the delivery of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project that includes, The Fox: NGV Contemporary, a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design; Laak Boorndap, the 18,000 square metre public open space in the heart of the precinct; as well as significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne and its historic State Theatre.

It also takes on the management and operations of Fed Square and is responsible for connecting a single continuous art, civic, and cultural precinct stretching from Fed Square through Southbank.

Once the transformation is complete, MAP Co will also manage and activate Laak Boorndap, the urban garden that will connect the Melbourne Arts Precinct in a seamless and immersive cultural experience. 

Fed Square is the gateway to the art precinct – and as Melbourne’s public square it is the civic, cultural and community heart of the city. It home to three of Victoria’s major cultural institutions: ACMI – Australia’s Museum of Screen Culture, the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia along with an array of restaurants and cafes. Located opposite the iconic Flinders St Station, it is Melbourne’s premier meeting place, tourist destination and event venue for thousands of free events every year. 

Our values

Our values are: First Nations First, Collaboration, Integrity, Community and Innovation

MAP Co values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, women, people of all ages, with disability and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

About the Role 

The role of the MAP Co Corporate Communications team is to support the positive positioning of Fed Square, MAPT and the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation as a leader in the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct. 

The role of Media and Communications Advisor is to support and drive positive awareness through pro-active and re-active media, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications activities – primarily for the MAPT project but also for Fed Square and MAP Co when required.  

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Support the delivery of media and communications strategies that drive positive awareness of MAP Co, Fed Square and the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct 

• Drive effective communications projects that promote Fed Square, MAPT and the broader arts precinct 

• Facilitate proactive and reactive media relations 

• Coordinate and deliver actions in Fed Square’s CALD media strategy – ensuring diverse audiences are engaged through targeted community media and social media groups  

• Drive community engagement activities with niche-interest groups 

• Draft effective communications materials including media releases, quotes, Q&A’s, key messages, briefing documents and speaking notes 

• Coordinate media partnership requirements for MAPT and Fed Square 

• Drive effective influencer campaigns, specifically targeted to diverse audiences  

• Organise and support the delivery of small to medium sized media and influencer events at Fed Square (media calls, program launches, VIP events etc.) 

• Manage the coordination of influencer campaigns, media and influencer events at Fed Square, including but not limited to; media calls, program launches, and VIP events.

• Identify and notify the Media & Communications Manager of any risks to MAP Co, Fed Square and MAPT and draft potential communication for approval   

• Liaise with MAP Co’s PR consultants, providing information and resources they need to deliver exceptional outcomes  

• Liaise with stakeholders including project partners, State Government, local council, and tourism bodies 

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated relationships with local and national media and experience in generating earned editorial 

• Good understanding of the local and national media and communications landscape 

• Solid writing skills with the ability to adapt to various channels required within this role 

• Experience in planning and delivering “media moments” and events such as media calls, VIP, media and influencer events 

• Ability to work across varied sectors and topics including construction, city development, arts, culture, events, food and drink and the local political environment 

• A strong communicator with a proven ability to identify and articulate newsworthy angles/stories and adapt communications effectively to different audiences 

• Ability to work nimbly – working across a range of concurrent events, announcements and media opportunities  

Desired Experience/Qualifications: 

• Degree in Communications, Marketing, Media or Journalism preferred 

• 3+ years’ experience in a media, communications or marketing role 

• Government relations experience beneficial including preparation of Ministerial media briefs, key messages, and Q&A. 

• Exposure in crisis communications 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, customer centric environment with significant stakeholder impact. 

Position Specific Requirements 

From time to time, out of business hours availability will be required to attend scheduled events, and manage media opportunities. 

Recruitment process

You can read more about our recruitment process at this link: https://fedsquare.com/careers  Please let us know in your cover letter if you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or the role. MAP Co is committed to ensuring that all applicants are afforded an equitable opportunity to be considered for our roles.  

MAP co will undertake background checks on the successful candidate in line with requirements set by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).   

Applications  

Kindly note that applications will be reviewed for short listing throughout the advertisement period, so we encourage applicants to apply without delay. Please provide a covering letter (maximum 1 page) and your resume (maximum 4 pages).    

Applications close on 17 March 2025.