Marketing and Communications Graduate Program (Jan 2026)

If you have recently graduated in Marketing or Communications at university then we want you to apply for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) Graduate Program. PM&C will give you the opportunity to work across an exciting and broad range of areas that aren’t available anywhere else – it’s a mini public service rolled into one! If you you’re keen to explore a broad range of opportunities, then there’s no better place to start your career.

What we offer

• 12-month, multiple award-winning unique graduate program where you choose your own rotations
• Excellent support structure including mentors, buddies, and networking opportunities to connect with countless business areas
• Attractive remuneration package with a starting APS3 salary of $77086 + 15.4% superannuation and potential advancement after 6 months to the APS4 salary
• Inspiring and diverse work opportunities so that you can tailor your program to suit your goals
• Work-life balance including flexible working-from-home arrangements and generous leave entitlements
• Career progression to a permanent placement of your choice and the possibility of future promotion a generous relocation package to support your move to Canberra
• A working environment and culture that respects the opinions of others and fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce.

What you’ll do   

PM&C’s Graduate Program offers hands-on experience supporting the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, Portfolio Ministers and Assistant Ministers. 

Communicating with others may seem easy but being heard and changing opinions, attitudes, and behaviours is hard. It requires skill and expertise, as well as a deep understanding of target audiences. As a Marketing and Communications Graduate, you will have the opportunity to work with teams across PM&C to help develop strategies and deliver communication to support the Department's priorities. No day will be the same as you work across social media, creative, speechwriting, editorial, and strategic communications. This is a great opportunity to be exposed to the latest thinking, and best practices in distilling audience insights and research.

Working in Communications you may have the opportunity to work on the following:

• Prepare and publish content for PM&C & Australian Government social media channels
• Translate complex policy into engaging and user-friendly content
• Draft speeches and messages (including video messages) for the Prime Minister — everything from major foreign policy addresses to commemorative events and remarks for community gatherings
• Prepare speeches for the other portfolio ministers and Secretary
• Develop content strategies and integrated digital campaigns including written communication materials, audio and visual products, and social media advertising
• Produce videos, graphic design tiles, and photography for use on our social media channels

Who we’re looking for?  

PM&C graduates come from a variety of academic disciplines with diverse experiences and backgrounds. You will relish working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and enjoy adapting to new circumstances and priorities as the Prime Minister delivers them. 

To succeed in our program, you need to be curious, motivated, and driven to make a difference to the future of our country. You will work both independently and as part of a team, enjoy problem-solving, collaborating, and offer innovative and creative thinking, approaches, and insights. 

Who can apply? 

To be eligible to apply, you must have completed your university degree within the last eight years or be in your final year of study. 

The program starts in February 2026 and you must be willing to relocate to Canberra. You must also be an Australian citizen and willing to undergo police, character, and health checks as required.

Please note that applications close at 10 am on April 15

Next steps    

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, we encourage you to register today. 

To find out more, please visit our website.