Application Guide

How to Apply for Media Manager, Australia

at Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA

🏢 About Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA

IEEFA is a rapidly growing, independent nonprofit that produces evidence-based research on energy finance and economics to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and diverse energy economy. With a global team of 70+ experts, it punches far above its weight in influencing financial decision-makers, governments, and the media. Working here means using your media skills to directly advance the energy transition, not just build brand awareness.

About This Role

As Media Manager for IEEFA Australia, you will be the primary day-to-day media operator, turning complex research into earned coverage that shifts the needle on energy finance debates. You’ll own relationships with journalists, government, and financial decision-makers, driving a more responsive, issue-led media strategy while protecting IEEFA’s reputation as a credible, neutral source. This is a high-impact role where your ability to secure timely, high-value coverage directly amplifies IEEFA’s influence in Australia’s energy transition.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a media monitoring sweep, identifying breaking energy news and flagging opportunities for IEEFA analysts. You’d then pitch a timely op-ed or comment to a key journalist, coordinate with the Communications Director on a rapid-response statement, and brief an analyst before an interview. Later, you might nurture relationships over coffee (virtual or in-person) and track coverage metrics to refine strategy.

🎯 Who Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of media relations experience, ideally in energy, climate, finance, or a think tank/NGO context, with a track record of securing earned coverage in top-tier Australian outlets.
  • Is a natural relationship-builder with strong political instincts and the judgement to handle sensitive, evidence-based research without compromising neutrality.
  • Thrives in a remote, fast-paced environment and can proactively identify news hooks and respond to emerging energy finance stories.
  • Can translate technical research into compelling media pitches and has experience working with researchers or analysts to shape messaging.

📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA

1

Highlight specific examples of earned media you’ve secured that influenced policy, financial decisions, or public debate—especially in energy or climate.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of Australian energy finance debates and key media outlets; mention specific journalists or publications you’ve worked with.

3

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and autonomously, since this role is remote and involves close coordination with a globally distributed team.

4

Show that you can balance proactive pitching with reactive rapid response, and give an example of how you’ve shifted a media strategy to be more issue-led.

5

Tailor your cover letter to IEEFA’s mission and mention why independent, evidence-based research matters to you—they value mission alignment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your track record of securing high-value media coverage in the Australian energy or finance space, with concrete metrics (e.g., reach, tier-1 placements).', 'Your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, government officials, and financial decision-makers, and how that has led to influence.', 'Your strategic approach to media relations—how you identify opportunities, craft pitches, and protect an organisation’s credibility while being responsive.', 'Your familiarity with IEEFA’s research and mission, and how you would translate their evidence-based work into compelling media stories.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read IEEFA’s recent reports and media coverage, especially on Australia’s energy market, to understand their key messages and tone.
  • Identify the top Australian energy and finance journalists and outlets that IEEFA currently engages with, and note any gaps you could fill.
  • Understand IEEFA’s funding model and independence—why it’s important and how it shapes their media approach.
  • Look into recent Australian energy policy debates (e.g., renewable energy targets, gas, coal exits) and how IEEFA has contributed to them.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a situation where a journalist misrepresents IEEFA’s research or takes a quote out of context?
2 Describe a time you turned a complex research report into a successful media campaign. What was your strategy and what results did you achieve?
3 How do you prioritise media opportunities when multiple stories break at once, especially in a fast-moving energy news cycle?
4 What Australian energy or finance journalists and outlets do you already have relationships with, and how would you expand IEEFA’s reach?
5 How would you balance proactive pitching with reactive media monitoring to ensure IEEFA is seen as a timely, go-to source?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on general media relations without demonstrating specific knowledge of energy, finance, or the Australian media landscape.
  • Overpromising on media contacts or coverage without concrete examples—this role requires proven relationships and results.
  • Ignoring the remote aspect and not showing how you stay connected and proactive in a distributed team environment.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA!