📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Staff Writer
🔹 Company: Tennis Australia
🔹 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Sports Journalism
🔹 Date Posted: July 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating engaging content that informs and excites tennis fans across various platforms
- Covering players, tournaments, and trends year-round, from Grand Slams to grassroots
- Delivering fast, accurate coverage with daily match reports, interviews, and analysis
- Crafting long-form features and content for major publications
- Collaborating with editorial, digital, and media teams to amplify storytelling
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in sports journalism, with a focus on tennis. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and meeting tight deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Shape the voice of tennis in Australia with engaging stories across web, print, and social
✅ Cover players, tournaments, and trends year-round — from Grand Slams to grassroots
✅ Deliver fast, accurate coverage with daily match reports, interviews, and analysis
✅ Craft long-form features and content for major publications such as the official Australian Open Program and Australian Tennis Magazine
✅ Collaborate with editorial, digital, and media teams to amplify storytelling across platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong writing skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years in journalism, with a focus on sports and tennis
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing skills across various formats
- Strong multitasking abilities and ability to thrive under pressure
- Proactive, creative, and collaborative approach to work
- Curiosity and drive to uncover unique angles that connect fans with the game
- Ability to obtain a current Police Check and Working with Children Check
- Flexibility in working hours and arrangements
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with digital media and SEO best practices
- Experience using content management systems (CMS)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in sports journalism and a passion for tennis will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Staff Writer role in Melbourne, the estimated salary range is AUD 80,000 - 100,000 per year.
Benefits:
- Career development opportunities
- Tickets to the Australian Open and Superbox tickets to events at Rod Laver & Melbourne Arena
- Monthly health and wellbeing activities with access to CorePlus Pilates
- Onsite gym, tennis facilities, and free onsite car parking
- Salary packaging and a range of discounts from sponsorship partners
- Attractive leave benefits, including up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all primary caregivers
- Recognition as an employer of choice for women by WORK180
Working Hours: Full-time position with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during major tournaments
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Tennis Australia operates in the sports industry, focusing on promoting and governing the sport of tennis in Australia. The organization is responsible for marketing tennis as a sport and brand, staging international events, and developing future tennis stars.
Company Size: Tennis Australia has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: 1904, with a rich history and strong connection to Australia's sporting and cultural heritage.
Company Description:
- Tennis Australia contributes strongly to the cohesiveness of the Australian community, providing a safe and healthy sport and social environment for Australians of all ages and abilities.
- The organization is committed to growing the tennis community, developing future tennis stars, and honouring the sport's heritage.
- Tennis Australia believes that playing makes life better and is dedicated to creating a playful world through tennis for everyone.
Company Specialties:
- Events (Australian Open, United Cup, Adelaide International, Hobart International, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Australian Pro Tour)
- Tennis programs and coaching
- Broadcast and sports marketing
Company Website: www.tennis.com.au
ASSUMPTION: Tennis Australia's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement makes it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a meaningful and impactful role in the sports industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, offering opportunities for career growth and leadership within the organization's editorial team.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Staff Writer will report directly to the Head of Editorial and work closely with various teams, including digital, media, and communications.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with flexible hours and arrangements, including evenings and weekends during major tournaments.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a leadership role within the editorial team
- Expansion into content strategy and management
- Opportunities to cover international tennis events and tournaments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates with strong writing skills, leadership abilities, and a passion for tennis.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Tennis Australia's headquarters is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, providing a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, AU
Geographic Context:
- Melbourne is Australia's second-most populous city and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, sports events, and high standard of living.
- The city is home to the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
- Melbourne offers a range of housing options, from inner-city apartments to suburban family homes.
Work Schedule: Full-time position with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during major tournaments. The work schedule may vary depending on the tennis calendar and event coverage requirements.
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement and flexible hours provide opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional development within the organization.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the Head of Editorial and other team members
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio
- Journalistic skills and experience
- Cultural fit and alignment with Tennis Australia's values
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio of your best writing samples, demonstrating your ability to cover various aspects of tennis and sports journalism
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the organization to ask during the interview
ATS Keywords: Sports journalism, tennis, writing, editorial, content creation, storytelling, collaboration, fast-paced environment, tight deadlines, teamwork, digital media, SEO
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's writing skills, journalistic experience, and cultural fit within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
- Email clients (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is expected for this role, with opportunities for training and development provided by the organization.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Playful: We believe playing makes life better and strive to create a playful world through tennis
- Inclusive: We celebrate diversity and foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success
- Innovative: We embrace change and continuously seek new ways to improve and grow
Work Style:
- Creative and imaginative, with a passion for storytelling
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with strong communication skills
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive under pressure
- Proactive and driven, with a curiosity for uncovering unique angles
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Tennis Australia's values in your work and personal life?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to meet a tight deadline and how you handled the pressure?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a fast-paced environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with Tennis Australia's values and work style will be well-suited to this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working under tight deadlines and pressure during major tennis events
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Balancing multiple responsibilities and priorities
- Travel requirements for international tennis events and tournaments
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the demands of this role and be prepared to manage their time and priorities effectively to succeed in this challenging but rewarding environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other sports journalism roles, this position focuses specifically on tennis and offers the opportunity to cover major international events
- Tennis Australia's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement sets it apart from other sports organizations
- This role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and personal values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Covering the Australian Open, including player interviews, match reports, and feature articles
- Creating a long-form feature on the history and impact of tennis in Australia
- Developing a series of engaging content pieces on the benefits of playing tennis for physical and mental health
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from breaking news coverage to in-depth feature articles.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the editorial department?
- How does Tennis Australia support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- Can you provide an example of a time when the organization embraced innovation and change, and how it impacted the team or the company as a whole?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Tennis Australia foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the organization?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organization, enabling them to make an informed decision about their application.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the online application system
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples, demonstrating your ability to cover various aspects of tennis and sports journalism
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the organization to ask during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
