Media Liaison Officers (Band 5 & Band 6)

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - Various

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 5 ($99,285.00 - $107,559.00); Band 6 ($107,559 - $118,673) + 22% Composite

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14503

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 11 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Are you a highly motivated, qualified and experienced media liaison officer who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? If so, this role might be for you.

Do you want to work in a team which manages the reputation of the agency, promotes the outstanding work of our police officers and manages relationships with the domestic and international media?

As a Media Liaison Officer you will manage the AFP's interaction with various media outlets, work on a rotating roster, including being on call. You will need to deliver media conferences, develop media releases, talking points and have creative ideas for media strategies. Key to all this is ensuring the good reputation of the AFP is maintained and enhanced, while accuracy of the public record is maintained at all times.  Interstate and overseas travel may be required to support some media activities.

This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.

As a Media Liaison Officer in the AFP you will be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position outlined below. 

What will you do?

The role of Media Liaison Officer offers valuable exposure to the breadth of work across the AFP and its strategic position within the Australian Government and the global law enforcement landscape.

The team operates out of Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. You will work independently with business areas to establish communication priorities in support of the AFP’s strategic and operational needs. Your advice will be timely and accurate, and you can deliver outcomes within tight deadlines and under pressure. Your skills should include being able to create and manage media strategies which help build the AFP’s brand and align with the corporate vision.

Applicants with additional social media experience/skills are highly desirable.

Band 5 responsibilities

• Develop media materials to meet operational and corporate communication needs.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to identify operational media opportunities, support the execution of complex media strategies and facilitate media conferences.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding the work of the AFP to identify develop and implement proactive media opportunities for the agency.
• Liaise with members of the AFP commands and senior external stakeholders. including journalists regarding complex media enquiries.

Band 6 responsibilities

• Liaise with executive and senior operational members to identify, plan and execute complex media strategies and materials.
• Write concise, informative and accurate media materials.
• Manage complex media enquiries.
• Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision and mentor junior members to enhance the team environment.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding the work of the AFP to identify develop and implement proactive media opportunities for the agency.
• Liaise with members of the AFP commands and senior external stakeholders. including journalists regarding complex media enquiries across multiple platforms.

Requirements

Band 5

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Tertiary qualifications in journalism, public relations/media or equivalent high-level experience in industry roles.
• Professional written and oral communication skills. 
• Ability to travel interstate or overseas if required.

Desirable Requirements 

• 5+ years' experience in one or more of these industries (Journalism, communications, multimedia production) will be highly regarded.

Band 6

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in one or more of these industries (Journalism, communications, multimedia production).
• Professional written and oral communication skills. 
• Ability to travel interstate or overseas if required.

Desirable Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in journalism, public relations/media will be highly regarded.

Selection Criteria

Bands 5

• Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes
• Communicating and working effectively with other people
• Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills

Band 6 

• Achieve results
• Communicates with influence
• Contributes to strategic thinking
• Cultivates productive working relationships
• Shows personal drive and integrity

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role. If you wish to be considered for both band levels your pitch should address the work level standards of the highest band.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be invited to a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer:  Nathan Long,

Contact Officer Phone:  0251265350, ​

Contact Officer Email:  nathan.long@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 26/06/2025

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au