We Are East Gippsland Shire East Gippsland is a natural playground with over 21,000 square km of land including high country, nine national parks, two significant marine parks, Australia’s largest navigable inland lake system and stunning coastlines included! EGSC offers challenging and rewarding skills development and the ability to work with a range of teams across multiple locations.
The Opportunity
As the Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator, you will lead strategic engagement and advocacy for East Gippsland. You will develop and deliver advocacy initiatives, guide high-quality community engagement practices, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. This leadership role also supports the organisation to align engagement and advocacy efforts with Council’s priorities and community needs.
Key responsibilities:

• Deliver impactful advocacy projects and materials that support Council priorities
• Lead the development of community engagement strategies using IAP2 frameworks
• Provide expert advice and coaching on engagement practices across the organisation
• Build and manage relationships with government, community and internal stakeholders
• Monitor policy changes and support funding applications aligned to community needs

Based in Bairnsdale, this is a full-time, ongoing position.
What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in community engagement and advocacy, with strong skills in designing and delivering strategic initiatives.
• High-level communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to influence and gain cooperation from diverse stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge and application of IAP2 or similar engagement frameworks, ideally in a government or public policy context.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships across all levels of government and community sectors.
• Tertiary qualifications in Community Engagement, Social Sciences, Public Policy or a related field, or extensive relevant experience.

If successful, you will need to undertake a police check, psychometric testing and have a working with children check. You must also be legally entitled to work in Australia.
We offer:
Work-Life Balance:

• 60/40 Hybrid office/WFH options
• ADO every 4 weeks and option to purchase additional leave
• Flexible start and finish times
• Extra time off over Christmas
• Discounted memberships to our recreation centres

Competitive Salaries:

• Banded salaries with built in yearly increases!
• Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum in December!

A Supportive environment:

• 17 weeks paid parental leave
• Additional special leave available for chronic health conditions and other special needs
• Learning and Development team to keep your skills up to date and give you the opportunity to develop your career!
• Employee Assistance Program offering counselling support when you need it
• Staff consultative committee - management consult staff on big decisions

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter
• Your resume
• Giving consideration to the key selection criteria, address the following questions:

Provide an example of a time you led an engagement or advocacy initiative that addressed a complex issue or community need.

• Explain how you planned the approach, and what frameworks or tools you utilised?
• How did you build and manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders?
• What communication methods or strategies did you use to ensure broad and inclusive participation?
• What challenges or sensitivities did you encounter, and how did you address them?
• How did you involve or support others in delivering this work?
• How did you evaluate the success or impact of your efforts?

Applications close at 11.59pm on 6 July 2025.
Questions? For a confidential discussion about the position or to learn more, please contact Luke Robinson, Manager Communications, Engagement and Advocacy on (03) 5153 9500.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. A valid Working with Children Check is required for applicable positions.