Whether serving at sea or ashore, the role of a Media and Communications Officer is to plan, coordinate and generate content for internal, domestic, regional and international audiences and engage with media outlets in support of Navy’s activities. Media and Communications Officers promote and protect the reputation of the Royal Australian Navy and the operations of the Australian Defence Force around the world.
Media and Communications Officers provide a broad range of functions for both Navy and Defence through the use of various earned media (television, radio and press) and owned media (social media, service newspapers and internal channels), as well as during events on Defence bases and warships or on exercises and operations.
In addition to planning and executing hands-on Military Public Affairs, you will lead Defence photographers and videographers and work with Australian Public Servants to deliver operational and strategic communications advice to Commanding Officers and senior leaders and assist with the handling of topical issues. While you are a specialist in the maritime environment, you could find yourself working alongside peers from Army and Air Force as part of the wider Joint force.
After completion of your Initial Military and Initial Employment training, your career will see you contribute to the development and implementation of Military Public Affairs plans and strategies and, with further experience, you can expect to deploy to sea.
To fulfil this role, Media and Communications Officers need to demonstrate following:
1. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
2. Crisis and issues management experience
3. A sound understanding of media dynamics, media event coordination and media liaison
4. Journalism, writing, editing and publishing experience
5. Multimedia skills, coordinating video production
6. Stakeholder engagement / management skills
7. Government and community relations engagement
8. Social media strategy and content creation and
9. Ability to work well under pressure and in complex environments under highly structured management chains
Could you be a Media and Communications Officer?
10. Do you meet the minimum officer entry requirements into the Australian Defence Force?
11. Do you meet the specialised education entry requirements for Public Relations Officers?
12. Are you prepared to deploy nationally and internationally at sea and ashore?
13. Are you willing to serve in an operational joint environment with other Services?
14. Do you have experience in the management of public affairs issues?
15. Have you written and published articles, newsletters, reports and publications?
16. Are you a social media practitioner?
17. Do you have experience with the media?
18. Do you have experience in internal communications and supporting change?
19. Have you developed public relations plans or programs?