Are you passionate about communications and community engagement? Reporting to the Manager, Office of the Lord Mayor, this position is responsible for providing communications, media, civic, and community engagement support to the Lord Mayor. You will work as part of a small and dynamic team to provide media services, including proactive and reactive media, social media, videos, and communications materials, as well as community engagement advice, programs, and services. In this fast-paced role, you will have the opportunity to work with a broad range of senior stakeholders to successfully promote the work of the Lord Mayor and Council and manage their reputation.

About the role

On a daily basis you will:

• Maintain the Lord Mayor's social media platforms, including drafting high-quality daily posts, photographs, and videos.
• Manage the Lord Mayor's community engagement schedule, including organizing community forums, town centre visits, and associated social media.
• Provide advice and guidance on Civic protocols for the Lord Mayor and to parties interacting with the Lord Mayor, including receiving delegations.
• Assist in the development of policy directions in consultation with internal and external partners and interest groups.
• Research, analyse, and evaluate complex information to develop communications and social media campaigns.
• Support the analysis of complex issues and offer advice on communications and public relations initiatives.
• Monitor public affairs trends and report on policy, program, or project implementation.
• Prepare high-quality analysis, talking points, speeches, and communication materials.
• Ensure initiatives, Council services, and decisions are promoted positively.
• Manage complex and politically sensitive information with confidentiality, diplomacy, and tact.
• Promote continuous improvement and innovation in practices and procedures.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external business partners, including community organizations, contractors, and authorities.
• Willingness to work outside of hours and weekends to attend events with the Lord Mayor

About You
The successful candidate will bring:

• Tertiary qualification (minimum Cert IV) in communications, journalism, public relations, media, policy, government, or business, and/or relevant experience in a highly politicized environment.
• Current NSW Driver's License.
• Demonstrated experience in providing communications and/or engagement support and advice to elected representatives or senior executives.
• Sound understanding of political processes and government.
• Experience in liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including elected representatives, senior managers, advisers, media organizations, peak bodies, and community organizations.
• Experience in dealing with highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including preparing social media content, videos, speeches, and supporting materials.
• Proven ability to work with initiative and versatility on a wide range of matters.
• Ability to meet deadlines, balance competing priorities, and work flexible hours.
• Well-developed ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on highly sensitive material and maintain confidentiality

What's on offer
We are offering an attractive remuneration from $101, 563.70 to $111,820.26 plus 11.5% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Review our Values Flyer which outlines Council's core values and behaviours.

Alternatively for a confidential discussion please contact Renee Attard on rattard@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

How to apply

Candidates MUST apply online attaching a cover letter addressing the requirements of this role

Applications close 9pm, Friday, 28 March 2025 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.