Media Relations Assistant

OUR ORGANISATION Join Lifeline Australia and you will be helping to support the delivery of critical services ensuring that “no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.”

Lifeline Australia is a national suicide prevention charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We are committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope.

Lifeline Australia Ltd (LLA) is located in Sydney, with small teams of dedicated staff employed to lead funding and corporate relations activities, and to provide the design, technical infrastructure and governance of services across Lifeline’s member network. LLA recently embarked on an exciting transformation journey, guided by an ambitious strategic plan.

The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan will see enhancements across services, technology and workforce to bring about better outcomes and a more accessible and flexible support system for help-seekers.

THE OPPORTUNITY As Media Relations Assistant, you'll work alongside the Head of Media and Communications, gaining hands-on exposure to media engagement, reputation management, issues monitoring and strategic communications. You will contribute to research, coordination, drafting and monitoring activities that support Lifeline’s reputation, advocacy priorities and stakeholder communications.

This role offers genuine learning and development opportunities, making it ideal for a graduate or early-career professional looking to build a career in media, communications, journalism or public relations.

This is a full-time permanent role.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and coordination of media and communications activities.
• Assist in preparing media briefings, background materials and talking points.
• Draft communications, media lists and media releases under guidance.
• Coordinate interview logistics, media requests and approval processes.
• Maintain accurate records of media contacts, requests and interactions.
• Monitor traditional, digital and social media coverage relevant to Lifeline.
• Prepare regular media monitoring summaries and highlight emerging themes, risks and opportunities.
• Research media outlets, journalists and developing issues.
• Assist with drafting reactive comments and background information.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure communications are accurate, consistent and aligned with Lifeline’s values and approved messaging.

About You

• A completed or near-completed tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, media studies or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Internship, volunteer or part‑time experience in media, communications, public relations or related environments.
• Familiarity with Australian media landscapes.
• Experience with media monitoring tools or content management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Well-developed organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively, respectfully and professionally.
• Sound judgement, discretion and ethical awareness.
• An interest in working within a purpose-driven and complex organisation.

All employees of Lifeline Australia must undergo a National Police Check.

OUR CULTURE The team are passionate, supportive and hardworking. They are very driven to reach their goals, so that they can continue to grow and deliver critical support to all Australians at a time when the importance of mental health has never been so prevalent.

Employee Benefits Package

• Salary Packaging – being a not-for-profit organisation allows us to offer our employees access to some amazing tax savings through salary packaging.
• Flexible working – we provide flexibility and support to all employees and encourage work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program – access to free counselling sessions for you and your family.
• Beautiful office facilities in central location.