- Salary: $114,992 - $124,676 (HEW 7) per annum + 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
- Full-time, 12 month fixed term appointment
- Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde
Tell the stories that matter — amplify world-class research and shape how science and engineering connect with the world
Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for translating complex research into compelling stories that capture public attention? Macquarie University's Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking a Media Advisor to elevate the Faculty's profile through strategic media engagement, powerful storytelling, and meaningful journalist relationships.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of academia, media, and communications — identifying newsworthy stories, pitching to national and international outlets, and equipping researchers to engage with the media. You'll play a key role in enhancing Macquarie University's visibility and reputation, working closely with world-class academics, researchers, and professional staff to bring their discoveries and expertise to broader audiences.
Embedded within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, you will also work directly with and sit alongside the Media and External Communications team in Group Marketing and Communications (dotted reporting line), ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment with the University's broader communications strategy. From time to time, you will participate in an out-of-hours on-call roster, responding to media enquiries and monitoring the media hotline to ensure timely engagement with breaking stories and urgent requests.
About the Role
Key responsibilities include:
Proactively identifying and pitching media opportunities that showcase the Faculty's research, academic expertise, and achievements of staff, students, alumni, and the broader Faculty community.
Collaborating with internal Faculty stakeholders to identify stories and areas of expertise that align with media trends and strategic priorities.
Building and nurturing relationships with key media outlets and journalists, positioning Macquarie University as a trusted source for expert commentary and newsworthy stories.
Writing engaging media releases and producing compelling articles and stories for the University's primary news platform, The Lighthouse, tailored to diverse audiences, including national and international media.
Supporting editorial decision-making to prioritise stories and content based on relevance to key stakeholders and media interest.
Helping to deliver a comprehensive media training program — equipping researchers and staff to engage with the media effectively.
Monitoring and evaluating media coverage to track Faculty-related stories and measure the effectiveness of media strategies.
Assisting with managing media responses during crises or sensitive issues, ensuring timely and accurate communication to protect the University's reputation.
Participating in an out-of-hours on-call roster, including after-hours monitoring of the media hotline and timely responses to media queries and requests.
About Us
Macquarie University has always been a place of innovation and discovery. As a world-leading university, we are recognised globally as one of Australia's leading research institutions and remain at the forefront of learning, teaching, and discovery across a range of fields. We pride ourselves on our mission of being a university of service and engagement.
Group Marketing is responsible for managing and promoting the University's brand, reputation, and achievements. The Communications team executes effective internal and external communication strategies, manages the University's reputation in the media, and develops high-level messaging for target audiences.
About You
You are a versatile and motivated communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring a genuine interest in higher education and the ability to translate complex research into engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. You build productive working relationships with ease and are comfortable managing competing priorities while maintaining quality output.
Selection Criteria:
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related discipline — or equivalent professional experience.
Extensive experience in media relations, journalism, or communications, ideally within complex or knowledge-rich organisations such as higher education or the public sector, with preferred experience in STEM-related media desirable.
Exceptional storytelling capabilities — visual, written, and video — with the ability to tailor content for different audiences and platforms.
Demonstrated experience in building relationships with journalists, securing media coverage, and managing media engagement across platforms.
Experience in developing and delivering media training programs or workshops for spokespeople, researchers and senior staff
Proven experience in issues management, including sensitive communications advice and crisis response.
Proficiency in media monitoring tools, content management systems, and digital publishing platforms, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.
How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).
Applications Close: Sunday 14th of June 2026 at 11:59 pm (AEST).
We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.
Your employment will be subject to compliance with applicable Defence-related legislation and job security requirements, including Defence Export Controls and Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets legislation where relevant.
** This role will require a criminal history/police check **.
For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Kate Williams, TA Consultant – at k.williams@mq.edu.au
Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage our personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, explore our Candidate Resource Hub
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
28/05/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.
