Senior Media and Engagement Coordinator

THIS IS A 24-MONTH FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME POSITION
(WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION OR PERMANENCY)

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN FREMANTLE
(COMMUTING TO ROTTNEST ISLAND AS REQUIRED)

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON TUESDAY, 18 AUGUST 2026

Job Description

Reporting to the Media and Engagement Manager, this position delivers project communications and stakeholder engagement activities to support Rottnest Island Authority’s (RIA) capital works and infrastructure programs, operating in a complex, high-value and high-profile project environment. The role applies professional communications expertise to plan, coordinate and implement communication initiatives that inform stakeholders, manage impacts and support successful project delivery in line with organisational and Government priorities.

The position works collaboratively with capital works project teams, contractors and internal business areas to translate technical and complex project information into clear, consistent and audience-appropriate communications. It develops and implements project-level communication and engagement plans across the project lifecycle and ensures messaging aligns with approved strategies, Executive direction and Government requirements.

The role supports issues, risk and media management related to capital works by identifying emerging sensitivities, preparing communication materials and escalating matters as required. It contributes to stakeholder and community engagement activities and maintains effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, delivery partners and external audiences in a complex and highly visible operating environment.

At RIA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following essential criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total. Desirable criteria will be assessed as required.

Essential

1. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and delivering media, project communications and stakeholder engagement activities within a complex organisation or project environment, with the ability to develop and implement contemporary communication and engagement strategies, including issues management, and strategic communications plans.
2. Demonstrated high level verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to research, write and edit high quality communication materials.
3. High level of interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to work closely with project teams, media, senior management and ministerial offices, to achieve coordinated communication outcomes.
4. Well-developed conceptual, problem solving and analytical abilities, with the ability to apply critical thinking and sound judgement, interpret complex or technical information in order to manage issues, identify risks and develop practical communication solutions.
5. Demonstrated ability to plan and manage communication activities effectively, prioritising competing demands and meet deadlines in a high-pressure project or operational environment.
6. Applies and promotes the principles of equity, diversity and work health and safety in the workplace.

Desirable

1. Significant experience in major construction project communications and engagement including highly developed skills in developing materials for a range of stakeholders, as well as identifying new channels.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of State Government
3. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications / Media / Journalism / Public Relations or equivalent.

About Us

We are a statutory authority of the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

Relocation Costs: A proportion of relocation costs may be covered at the discretion of the RIA.

How to apply: 

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• a covering letter.
• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than three (3) pages.
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Mike Tetlow on 0419 942 *** or for further information about RIA, visit https://www.ria.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Agency Referrals: Public Sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact recruitment at ***********@dbca.wa.gov.au during the advertising period.

Substantive Equality Statement

RIA supports and values diversity and aims to build a workforce that is representative of the community we live in. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse background and people with disability. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.

For adjustments required in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, please contact the selection panel convenor.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.