• Full-Time, Permanent role
• Based in North Melbourne, with hybrid work options available
• Make a difference in the lives of lost and abandoned animals in Melbourne!

About Us

The Lost Dogs’ Home is one of Australia’s most iconic animal welfare organisations, dedicated to caring for and rehoming thousands of lost and abandoned dogs and cats each year. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of these animals and the community. 

We are seeking a creative and dynamic media relations professional to join our team and contribute to our vision of giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life.

About the role 

The Senior Manager, Media relations will proactively secure media engagement opportunities for the Home, shaping the narrative across traditional media platforms (including Print, TV & Radio) and ensuring our brand message is effectively communicated.

The role will deliver proactive media campaigns by leveraging relationships with journalists, media outlets and other key stakeholders. The role will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that media campaigns are aligned with LDH’s strategic goals, including fundraising, awareness and advocacy initiatives.

In addition, the role acts as a formal Spokesperson for the Home, ensuring that our brand is always protected.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a media engagement strategy and plan that is aligned to operational and strategic goals, increasing the Home’s share of voice and ensuring growing reach and strong placement.
• Identify and deliver ongoing and once-off media coverage opportunities for LDH across traditional and digital media platforms. 
• Identify ad-hoc media opportunities as well as focussed efforts for campaign promotions, including for fundraising and business operations.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with media organisations, ensuring LDH is front of mind for TV, radio, print and digital media opportunities.
• Act as the LDH Spokesperson and respond to ad-hoc media enquiries.
• Monitor and provide regular in-depth reporting on LDH’s corporate image, reputation, and brand in the context of media. 
• Plan for and execute crisis management PR with senior leadership as required.
• Prepare media releases, statements, digital communications, annual reports and executive correspondence on behalf of LDH.
• Monitor and capitalise on trends and stories in the media cycle to create a strategic voice for LDH in the narrative.
• Work with internal LDH stakeholders to foster cooperation with media objectives.
• Provide training, key message development, coaching and support to LDH staff to adequately prepare them for media engagements as required.  

About you

You are an experienced communications professional with a strong track record in media relations and an in-depth understanding of contemporary media landscapes, including traditional, digital, and emerging platforms. You excel at crafting compelling narratives and building strong relationships with journalists, and other internal and external stakeholders.

You bring strategic insight to your work and are able to adapt your approach to align with organisational priorities and goals. You’re proactive, solution-focused, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

You’re comfortable adjusting to changing priorities and working outside regular hours when the situation demands. Your calm demeanor and sound judgment enable you to confidently manage high-pressure situations, ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard clearly and effectively.

You are well connected within the media industry and can leverage your networks to secure broad exposure for LDH across all media platforms.

If you’re ready to take the lead on impactful media strategies and contribute to the success of the Lost Dogs’ Home, we’d love to hear from you.

In addition, you will also have:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field and/or;
• Experience responding to media queries including ability to think on your feet and appropriately answer challenging questions in high pressure situations.
• Proven experience in successfully pitching stories to reporters, editors and producers and achieving media coverage in mainstream media and online.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare key messages, media releases, briefing papers, annual reports and executive correspondence, communications and speaking notes as required.
• Strong problem solving and critical reasoning skills including ability to consolidate information from multiple sources.
• Strong grasp of different media outlets and the media landscape.
• Ability to effectively manage a busy workload, work to tight deadlines and deliver results across multiple priority areas when media opportunities arise.
• Ability to work flexible hours in response to media requirements.

What you will get in return

• Great career development opportunities and the opportunity to gain skills in the veterinary and animal welfare sector
• Opportunity to create your own mark in an iconic animal welfare charity
• The chance to work in a collaborative and supportive environment
• Genuine sense of purpose and satisfaction that you are making a difference to the lives of vulnerable animals

How to apply

If you are a dedicated media and communications professional with a passion for animal welfare and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you attach a current resume and a covering letter outlining the reasons for your interest in and suitability for this role. If you have any questions about this role, please direct them to julia.ferragamo@dogshome.com.

Note that applications for this role will be assessed in the order that they are received, so if you are interested, please apply ASAP!

The successful applicant will be required to complete satisfactory background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.