Introduction
The Media Officer role at NSW Police Force supports the Southern Region’s public communications from Wollongong. The temporary full-time opportunity runs for up to nine months and combines media releases, enquiries, local campaigns, digital channels and field operations. Your written application needs to demonstrate how you handle urgent issues with stakeholders and plan a response to a potentially contentious matter.
View the official job ad. Applications close Sunday 27 September 2026.
Role snapshot
| Detail | Role information |
|---|---|
| Role | Media Officer |
| Employer | NSW Police Force |
| Location | Wollongong |
| Salary / grade | Clerk Grade 5/6, $102,936 to $113,579 |
| Closing date | Sunday 27 September 2026 |
Application requirements
- Cover letter, maximum 2 pages
- Up-to-date resume
- Responses to 2 targeted questions, maximum 500 words per question, in the online text boxes or a separate document
Keep the targeted answers distinct from the cover letter so each question is easy to assess. Do not attach unrequested qualifications or certificates; retain those for interview if requested.
Targeted questions
- A key requirement of the role is to manage competing priorities under pressure. Please outline an example of when you have worked closely with key stakeholders to manage a time sensitive and critical media issue?
- Please provide an example of when you have identified a potentially contentious/controversial issue, describe how you developed and executed a media strategy and what was the outcome?
Candidate evidence to prepare
Use the following evidence areas to plan your examples for Media Officer. These are practical application recommendations drawn from the work and experience described for this vacancy.
| Requirement or evidence area | How to demonstrate it |
|---|---|
| Media judgement under pressure | Show how you balanced speed, accuracy and approval requirements when an issue could attract public attention. |
| Stakeholder coordination | Explain how you resolved conflicting information or priorities before releasing material. |
| Digital and media delivery | Use a relevant release, campaign or channel example to show how you adapted content to its audience. |
Essential role requirements and conditions
Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens. Before commencement, the successful candidate must undergo a National Police Check and obtain and maintain the security clearance determined by NSW Police Force.
Example application structure
Submit a cover letter, resume and two separate targeted responses. The cover letter has a two-page maximum and each targeted answer has a 500-word maximum. Use the outline below to avoid repeating the same account across every document.
| Cover letter section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Opening paragraph | A Grade 5/6 opportunity managing Southern Region media content, enquiries and campaigns from Wollongong. The work extends across digital channels and field operations. Two targeted questions test how you handle time-sensitive media pressure and develop a strategy for a contentious issue. |
| Media judgement under pressure | Show how you balanced speed, accuracy and approval requirements when an issue could attract public attention. |
| Stakeholder coordination | Explain how you resolved conflicting information or priorities before releasing material. |
| Digital and media delivery | Use a relevant release, campaign or channel example to show how you adapted content to its audience. |
| Closing paragraph | Confirm your interest in this role and the relevant working or eligibility conditions. Keep the close brief. |
Responses to targeted questions
| Targeted question | What a strong response would include |
|---|---|
| A key requirement of the role is to manage competing priorities under pressure. Please outline an example of when you have worked closely with key stakeholders to manage a time sensitive and critical media issue? | Set out the media deadline and competing risks, then explain how you checked facts, coordinated approvals and kept stakeholders informed. Identify your own contribution to the final response. |
| Please provide an example of when you have identified a potentially contentious/controversial issue, describe how you developed and executed a media strategy and what was the outcome? | Explain how you recognised the issue, chose an audience and message approach, and delivered the strategy. Include what happened and what evidence you used to assess the outcome. |
What the panel will want to see in your examples
- Show how you balanced speed, accuracy and approval requirements when an issue could attract public attention.
- Explain how you resolved conflicting information or priorities before releasing material.
- Use a relevant release, campaign or channel example to show how you adapted content to its audience.
- State the result and the evidence you have for it, with a clear account of your own responsibility.
Before you submit
Check that the two answers address different decisions, even if they come from related work. Protect sensitive information and be precise about what you approved, prepared or advised on. Read the official role description before finalising your application.
Revisit the official job ad and use the NSW Government cover letter guide to check your structure. If you need help preparing a role-specific written application, you can share the vacancy and your experience through Team 3Thirty’s application service.