• Permanent Part Time – 3 days per week
• $98,265 – $105,798 pa/pro rata (plus 11.5% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH

Who we are
Surf Coast Shire Council oversees the picturesque region of Surf Coast Shire in Victoria, Australia, striving to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of its residents and businesses. This includes upholding local laws and regulations, managing essential infrastructure like roads and parks, and providing vital community services such as family and youth programs. Council plays a pivotal role in planning and development, guiding sustainable growth while preserving the region's natural beauty. Council actively supports economic development initiatives, fostering local businesses and promoting tourism to stimulate the local economy.

Council acknowledges the Wadawurrung People, and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands we now call Surf Coast Shire.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Your new career
We’re seeking an experienced communications professional to help inform and engage with our community, primarily about projects being delivered by our Assets and Engineering team. These include road and footpath works, and renewal of community facilities such as sports courts and playgrounds.

These projects have high visibility in the community and are seen as an essential function of Council, so it’s important we share information in a proactive, clear and widely accessible way.

The role presents an exciting opportunity to help build and maintain Council’s reputation by using your strategic thinking ability to plan and deliver high quality communications and manage issues as they arise.

You’ll be joining a highly engaged team that is passionate about the area we work in and strives to deliver positive outcomes for the Council and our community.

What you will bring to the role
We’re looking for someone with energy and drive who can help our Assets and Engineering team deliver projects successfully through well thought-out communications that carefully consider and explain the impact and benefits to the community.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• a high degree of political awareness and sensitivity;
• a passion for producing written materials that are clear, accurate and accessible for a wide audience;
• experience in media relations and in using social media and other digital technology to deliver messaging;
• experience planning communications for complex projects and providing strategic advice to senior staff; and
• ability to manage time effectively to handle multiple projects at once.

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations (Qualification Check conducted) or a related field, with several years of relevant experience in a similar role or extensive relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated high level writing, communications and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and to deadline.
• Ability to consistently leave a positive impression when working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of contributing to team culture and enhancing an organisation’s reputation.
• Current Victorian Drivers’ Licence
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Highly regarded

• Experience planning and executing communications for road and infrastructure projects.
• A sound knowledge of local government and relevant legislation.

What you’ll love working with us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options,
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Sarah Gleeson, Team Leader Communications on 0419 302 736.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 6 July 2025.

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer