Communications Officer

• Classification: Band 5, Permanent Full-Time
• Salary Range: $80,385.24 + super - $90,572.56 + super
• Onsite Preference: The successful candidate will be expected to work primarily onsite to effectively embed themselves within the team and understand council operations.

Are you a communications professional with a passion for internal communications and employee engagement? Randstad is partnering with a major Local Government organisation north of Metro Melbourne to find a talented Communications Officer to join their team. This is a chance to play a key role in shaping communications for a major regional employer and contributing to a thriving community.

In this pivotal role, your primary focus will be on internal communications. You will develop and implement annual internal communication plans and campaigns, ensuring all staff are informed and engaged with key projects, plans, and decisions. You'll use your expertise to identify and implement creative and innovative approaches to reach all staff, including those working remotely or outdoors. Your strong interpersonal skills will be essential as you build relationships with teams across the organisation to enhance staff awareness and engagement.

You will also assist with external communications, including media relations and community engagement plans, working alongside a collaborative and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual internal communication plans and campaigns.
• Provide advice and guidance to staff on preparing communication plans.
• Assist with implementing the Councillor Communication Strategy.
• Assist with media relations, including writing media releases and speech notes.
• Develop and implement community consultation and engagement plans.

Soft Skills

• Ability to work well under pressure and manage simultaneous tasks in a dynamic, issues-rich environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and work collaboratively with a variety of teams and stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to meet tight deadlines and balance competing priorities.
• A calm and professional approach to dealing with a variety of stakeholders.

Qualifications & Desirables

• Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, or public relations.
• Experience: Proven experience in developing and implementing complex, multi-faceted communications campaigns for both internal and external stakeholders. Previous communication and/or public relations experience in a government or large organisation is also required.
• Desirable Knowledge: An understanding of the local government operating environment and the contemporary issues affecting it. Knowledge of the wider political context in which the Council operates is also beneficial.
• Other Requirements: A current Victorian Driver's Licence is a prerequisite.

We encourage applicants to apply promptly to increase their likelihood of consideration. To learn more or to apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.