Leading Companies & Markets
Public Affairs practitioners work in both the public and private sector. Both sectors employ internal full-time professional and external consultants. External consultants are used for specific projects, periodic work or at time of ‘crisis management’ - when a major issue comes up and the company has to defend its reputation. The size and function of Public Affairs teams varies significantly from one organisation to another.
Environment & Culture
This is usually not a 9.00am to 5.00pm job. You are the interface between the business and the media/general public. Media now work 24/7; especially if there is an international aspect to the business. If the media are working - you are working. Issues affecting your business can also pop up outside normal business hours.
You have to be aware of these developments and ahead of the media in terms of preparing a position that adequately manages the reputation of your organisation. You can expect phone calls and e-mails at all times of the day or night that require your immediate attention. In an organisation you serve your directors and board and they will expect timely advice to make decisions that maintains the reputation of the business.
About the Author
Philip Pope
Philip Pope, Public Affairs Manager at Cricket Australia divides his time between office-based corporate communications and on-the-road media management with the Australian cricket team. Philip's experience includes being the Head of Media at the British Olympic Association, the Chief Press Attaché to the Great Britain Olympic Team at the Athens Olympics and Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and also directed communications for the embryonic London 2012 Olympic Bid.
Did you know that during the period between 1788 and 1868, about 160,000 convicts were sent to Australia?