Job Description

Overview

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Lead the Conversation. Shape the Future. Champion Public Education in South Australia.

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The Department for Education is offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced media professional to step into the pivotal role of Head of Media.

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This influential position is at the heart of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to unlocking every child's potential and building a world-leading public education system. As Head of Media, you will play a crucial part in shaping and protecting the reputation of public education across South Australia, leading a high-performing team and collaborating closely with senior leaders and government stakeholders.

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The role offers the chance to drive strategic and proactive media activity that advances key priorities, while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement.

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With a robust commitment to values such as service, professionalism, respect, and inclusivity, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on communities and future generations.

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Responsibilities

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- Lead and develop a talented media team to deliver proactive and strategic communications that enhance the reputation of public education while aligning with government priorities.

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- Provide expert advice and timely content to senior leaders and the Minister's office, ensuring alignment and consistency of messaging on sensitive or high-risk matters.

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- Advise the Chief Executive, Senior Executive Group, and education leaders on effective responses to media requests while keeping them informed about emerging issues.

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- Oversee the creation and delivery of high-quality media content that highlights achievements in schools, preschools, and services through compelling storytelling.

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- Establish robust governance structures, workflows, and approval processes to improve operational consistency, reduce risk, and support efficient media operations.

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- Implement a structured issues management framework with clear escalation pathways to ensure timely resolution and post-incident review of media matters.

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- Drive integrated communications across all channels (including social media) to ensure coordinated planning and consistent messaging throughout the organisation.

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- Oversee comprehensive media monitoring, analysis, and reporting functions that provide actionable intelligence to senior leaders for continuous improvement.

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- Foster a positive team culture in partnership with communications leadership to advance organisational objectives while supporting school's responsiveness within their communities.

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Qualifications

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- Proven leadership abilities in developing teams by identifying training needs while fostering an inclusive culture where staff are encouraged to excel together.

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- Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent high-level experience in media, journalism or communications.





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- Extensive experience managing high-level media issues during crises or rapidly evolving situations where established precedents may not exist.

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- Demonstrated ability to establish governance frameworks that shift communications from reactive management toward planned strategic activity.

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- Sound knowledge of government communications environments including ministerial protocols, caretaker conventions, Public Sector Act obligations, and political interfaces.

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- Proven capacity for exercising sound judgement independently when developing solutions for complex or sensitive communications challenges with significant reputational implications.

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- Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to build trusting relationships with senior executives while providing expert advice at ministerial levels using diplomacy and discretion.

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- Advanced written communication skills demonstrated through extensive experience preparing briefings, releases, statements, or executive correspondence under tight deadlines.

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With a strong commitment to values such as service, professionalism, respect, and inclusivity, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on communities and future generations. If you are ready to make a profound impact on public education through strategic communications leadership, this is your moment.

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Applications close 29 July 2026.

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To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ella Morgan directly on 08 8216 3553 or [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

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📌 Head of Media (Adelaide)
🏢 Department For Education, South Australia
📍 Adelaide