Communication & Media Adviser

Job no: 493805
Work type: Full Time, Part Time
Location: Head Office, Canberra
Classification: DHA Level 5

About us

DHA was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing, and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.  

DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members. 

To find out more about DHA, please refer to DHA.gov.au or read our latest Annual Report.

About your team

The Communication and Media team at DHA is a dynamic group of specialists dedicated to delivering clear, strategic and engaging communications across a range of channels. We partner with business areas to enhance storytelling, build brand awareness, and support DHA’s mission through innovative and impactful communication solutions.

As part of the Governance and Communication Branch, we draw on our collective expertise in media, strategy, design, and digital content to navigate an evolving communication landscape. Our team is passionate about amplifying key messages, driving engagement, and ensuring all content is tailored to meet the needs of our audiences. We take pride in being trusted advisers who deliver creative, forward-thinking campaigns that connect, inform, and inspire.

About the role

The Communication and Media Adviser supports the delivery of proactive and reactive media and communication activities for DHA. Working under the guidance of senior colleagues, the Communication and Media Adviser’s focus is to help maintain and strengthen DHA’s reputation through strategic, consistent and well-executed media engagement. The Communication and Media Adviser also plays a key role in the broader team by providing high quality external and internal communication support.

The Communication and Media Adviser demonstrates strong writing skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging content. Effective communication and relationship building skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, or independently when required.

The Communication and Media Adviser requires a good understanding of the media landscape, uses initiative, seeks feedback and wants to grow their media and communication skills. The role requires good organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits for working at DHA include:

• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
• Work-life balance and flexible working options
• A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
• Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
• Career progression and opportunities
• A dedicated Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to access in times of need
• ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.

How to apply

To apply, click the Apply Now button below with your current resume and a 500-word pitch, addressing the requirements of the role, and 2 to 3 work samples that showcase your communication and media experience.

For more information about the role, click View Candidate Information Pack button below.

Applications close: 11:55pm AEST 30 January 2026. Any questions? Please contact Paige Pettit, Communication and Media Manager T: 02 6270 6054 E: paige.pettit@dha.gov.au     

Order of Merit

A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.

Inclusion and Diversity

DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature aged employees and carers.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility

Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen and can obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level.

View Candidate Pack