About the role

In a politically sensitive environment, the Advocacy Specialist works on a permanent full-time basis to act as a key liaison between the City of Swan and major stakeholders and industry partners to determine opportunities to increase the City's capacity to attract investment and funding. This includes providing specialist advocacy advice to the Council and Executive; and devising strategic plans for developing these opportunities into tangible benefits for the City, through working across the organisation to determine priorities. The position also works with Marketing and Communications specialists to provide strategic input to ensure speeches, press releases and other external communications support advocacy priorities.

Key Accountabilities include, but are not limited to;

• Coordinate the preparation of relevant marketing and communications collateral to support the CEO and executives with advocacy relations and negotiations.
• Devise campaigns to advance the visibility of the City’s advocacy priorities to key stakeholders.
• Determine key events and activities which promote partnership and networking opportunities for the Mayor, CEO and Executive and maintain strategic relationships.
• Promote advocacy priorities and successes and prepare advocacy communications collateral.
• Prepare and/or contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations and responses on advocacy issues.
• Identify, and manage suitable communication channels and produce material to promote the Advocacy work of the Council to the community and other key stakeholders.
• Undertake research and liaise with key stakeholders to provide strategic input to ensure speeches, press releases and other external communications support advocacy priorities.
• Attend Council events where relevant to facilitate the promotion of Council involvement.
• Coordinate Sister City relationships and international delegations.

About you

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Tertiary degree in Public Relations, Politics or related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to work in a politically sensitive environment
• Demonstrated experience in government, community and/or stakeholder engagement to determine and deliver organisational outcomes
• Experience in preparing strategic advocacy, communications and marketing plans
• Extensive social, economic and political networks
• Current ‘C’ Class Drivers Licence
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate is required.

For more information about the role please refer to the position description.

About working with us

The salary for this position will be from $107,720.74 to $121,862.05 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

You will also enjoy benefits including

• Flexibility to balance work and life through supported work from home and a 19-day month
• Excellent leave entitlements e.g. purchase additional leave, Local Government public holiday
• Generous Superannuation contributions up to a total combined 16.5%
• Comprehensive employee wellness program
• Generous study assistance (terms and conditions apply)
• Commute use of City vehicle

About the City

The City of Swan, located north east of Perth, is the largest local government by land size in the Perth metropolitan area, and has one of the fastest growing populations.

The City covers an area of 1,042 square kilometres, equivalent to almost 20 per cent of the Perth metropolitan area. A beautifully diverse expanse of land, the City is rich in natural assets, including the iconic Swan River and internationally renowned Swan Valley viticulture region established in 1829.

Our location, services and facilities make the City an attractive place to live. The population across our 42 suburbs stands at 168,334 in 2023, but is set to reach 300,000 by 2050.

The Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation have been the traditional custodians of the land for more than 40,000 years. The Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) holds enormous cultural significance for the Noongar people. The City is also rich in European history, and our community is a melting pot of multiculturalism, with one in three people being born overseas and one in five speaking a language other than English at home. Our ideal location, significant history, diverse community and strong economy ensures a positive future for the City of Swan, full of opportunity.

Our purpose at the City is to improve the quality of life for all of the people who live in, work in and visit the City of Swan by delivering our vision of ‘one city, diverse people, culture and places’ through shared values of respect, excellence, accountability and leadership.

At the City of Swan we are committed to recruiting and retaining the right people and creating a great place to work. We offer our employees real careers, real impact, and real rewards.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ+, with disability, a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and people of all ages.

For queries, please contact Sarah McQuade directly on (08) 9267 9458.

To apply please submit a cover letter that outlines your qualifications and experience and why you would be a good fit for this role, and a resume via the link. Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing Date: Tuesday 1 April 2025 at 5pm.

The City of Swan reserves the right to commence shortlisting and interviews earlier than the closing date. The City also reserves the right to close the vacancy early therefore if you are interested in this position, please submit an application as early as possible.

*No agencies please.