Head of Media

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Key responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• Advise the Chief Executive, Senior Executive Group, and education leaders on effective responses to media requests while keeping them informed about emerging issues.
• Oversee the creation and delivery of high-quality media content that highlights achievements in schools, preschools, and services through compelling storytelling.
• Establish robust governance structures, workflows, and approval processes to improve operational consistency, reduce risk, and support efficient media operations.
• Implement a structured issues management framework with clear escalation pathways to ensure timely resolution and post-incident review of media matters.
• Drive integrated communications across all channels (including social media) to ensure coordinated planning and consistent messaging throughout the organisation.
• Oversee comprehensive media monitoring, analysis, and reporting functions that provide actionable intelligence to senior leaders for continuous improvement.
• Foster a positive team culture in partnership with communications leadership to advance organisational objectives while supporting school's responsiveness within their communities.

Key requirements:

• Proven leadership abilities in developing teams by identifying training needs while fostering an inclusive culture where staff are encouraged to excel together.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent high-level experience in media, journalism or communications.
• Extensive experience managing high-level media issues during crises or rapidly evolving situations where established precedents may not exist.
• Demonstrated ability to establish governance frameworks that shift communications from reactive management toward planned strategic activity.
• Sound knowledge of government communications environments including ministerial protocols, caretaker conventions, Public Sector Act obligations, and political interfaces.
• Proven capacity for exercising sound judgement independently when developing solutions for complex or sensitive communications challenges with significant reputational implications.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to build trusting relationships with senior executives while providing expert advice at ministerial levels using diplomacy and discretion.
• Advanced written communication skills demonstrated through extensive experience preparing briefings, releases, statements, or executive correspondence under tight deadlines.

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.

To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ella Morgan directly on 08 8216 3553 or ella.morgan@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.