Please follow instructions on the Winton Shire Council website: https://www.winton.qld.gov.au/council/employment

Position Title

Media and Communications Officer

Position Number

CS10257

Department

Corporate Services

Classification

Level 5/6, Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream A) Award 2017 and Winton Shire Council Enterprise Bargain Agreement 2023 as varied ($90,183.08 - $100,760.92)

Terms of employment

Permanent Full time

Supporting documents

Employee Code of Conduct

Workplace Health & Safety Responsibilities

Winton Shire Council Drug and Alcohol Policy

Winton Shire Council’s Corporate Values are:

Accountability:

The ethical concept associated with responsibility, enforcement, blameworthiness, transparent process, liability, and other terms associated with being answerable for the trust that is bestowed by those whom we serve.

Effectiveness:

The idea of carrying out a program or process that is entirely adequate to accomplish the purpose that has been identified as a goal or aspiration.

Efficiency:

The concept that in the process of pursuing or effecting any program, procedures, or task where all wastage is minimised.

Sustainability:

Is the capacity to maintain a certain process or state indefinitely? When applied in an economic context, a business is sustainable if it has accepted its practices for the use of renewable resources and is accountable for the environmental impact of its activities.

Meaningful Community Engagement:

Encompasses the principle of seeking the views and opinions of the Community. This is to be through an effective committee system and public consultation process as part of Council’s decision making methodology.

Good Governance:

This describes the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented), hereby, public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources, and guarantee the realisation of human rights. Good governance accomplishes this in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption and with due regard for the rule of law.

Ethical and Legal Behaviour:

Ethical behaviour is characterised by honesty, fairness, and equity in all interpersonal relationships. Ethical behaviour respects the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals and groups of people. When coupled with legal behaviours there is an expectation that there will be a penalty for conduct that breaches any law statute or regulation.

Organisational relationships

Reports to:

Corporate Services Manager

Supervision of:

No supervision applicable

Internal Liaisons

Economic Development and Waltzing Matilda Centre/Tourism Team, CEO, The Mayor and liaison with Management, Council Staff and Council Departments as required

External liaisons

Government agencies, tourism and industry organisations, business operators, media, community groups, other neighbouring Councils, and consultants. Members of the community, residents, and ratepayers.

Position objectives

This position is responsible for:

Lead Strategic Marketing for Experience Winton and Winton Shire Council
Provide expert strategic advice and lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive Experience Winton and Winton Shire Council marketing strategy. Ensure all Council communications, branding, and messaging consistently align with and reinforce key organisational priorities and community objectives.

Enhance Council Reputation and Community Engagement
Drive strategic initiatives for Winton Shire Council’s public image through proactive public relations, effective communication campaigns, and consistent messaging that increases awareness and understanding of Council services and community impact.

Promote Events and Strategic Communications Campaigns
Lead and support the planning and execution of internal and external communications and promotional campaigns for major events, tourism initiatives, community projects, and key Council announcements. Ensure all efforts contribute to the positive promotion of the Winton brand and community identity.

Oversee Publications and Editorial Content
Strategically manage the monthly Winton Council Newsletter (print and digital) to ensure timely, engaging, and informative content that reflects Council priorities and builds community trust and transparency.

Digital Strategy and Platform Management
Oversee the strategic development and day-to-day management of Winton Shire Council and Experience Winton’s websites and social media platforms. Leverage data, insights, and trends to enhance digital engagement, reach, and audience experience.

Lead Content Development and Marketing Collateral
Direct the research, planning, and production of high-quality publications and promotional materials that align with Council priorities, support tourism and economic development objectives, and reflect a cohesive visual and narrative brand.

Strategic Media and Stakeholder Communications
Lead the preparation of media releases, speeches, radio content, presentations, and briefs in collaboration with the Mayor, CEO, and Councillors. Ensure messaging is timely, strategically aligned, and reinforces Council’s public voice and policy positions.

Qualifications/Licences/Tickets required

Ideally the successful application will have the following experience and skills for this position:

Relevant formal qualifications in marketing, communications, tourism, event management or significant demonstrated experience in a professional public relations media and marketing role.

Experience in project coordination, achieving targets with defined timeframe and within budget.

Demonstrated high level experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships between internal stakeholders, small business and industry, other levels of government and the community.

Demonstrated experience and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with a high degree of flexibility and confidentiality within a changing workplace environment.

Additional requirements and working conditions

The following requirements and working conditions will be necessary in this role:

Hold a current working with children Blue Card.

Have a Police clearance or be willing to undertake one.

The Council Employee Code of Conduct applies to this position.

Out of hours work during events (i.e., community festivals, ceremonies, and other public celebrations) and travel to trade and tourism activities will be required.

Travel within the Shire may be required of this position (Council will supply a vehicle for business use only).

Statement of key responsibilities and duties

The following key responsibilities may be adjusted periodically to ensure alignment with Council’s operational and corporate plans. The key duties of the Marketing, Media and Communications Officer include:

Strategic Marketing and Communications Development
Lead the development and implementation of integrated media, marketing, tourism, and events strategies that support Council’s strategic objectives, enhance community engagement, and promote key projects and initiatives.

Digital Communications and Social Media Management
Plan and execute digital communication strategies, including website content, social media platforms, and online campaigns to inform, engage, and inspire the community while promoting Council’s reputation and achievements.

Media Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain productive relationships with regional and state media outlets, journalists, tourism and industry partners to promote Council initiatives, events, and Winton Shire’s broader tourism profile.

Content Creation and Collateral Development
Write, design, and produce a wide range of high-quality communications materials, including media releases, promotional collateral, advertising content, website copy, social media posts, newsletters, and public notices.

Tourism Promotion and Industry Engagement
Actively promote Winton’s tourism experiences and offerings through targeted public relations activities and ongoing engagement with the tourism, travel, and retail industries at local, regional, and state levels.

Event and Opportunity Development
Identify, support, and help deliver new tourism events, conferences, and community engagement initiatives that align with Council’s strategic direction and regional development goals.

Internal and Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work collaboratively with Council’s departments and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and the successful implementation of shared goals and initiatives.

Project and Time Management
Manage multiple communications and marketing projects with strong organisational skills, the ability to work independently, and a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving outcomes.

Professional Communication and Confidentiality
Demonstrate high-level written and verbal communication skills, with a capacity for initiative, discretion, and sound judgment in dealing with sensitive issues and diverse stakeholder groups.

Technical and Creative Proficiency
Apply knowledge across corporate communications, marketing, promotions, media liaison, and graphic design. Use a variety of software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to create professional content and materials.

Media Production and Graphic Design
Prepare and format digital and print materials using relevant tools for newsletters, advertisements, social media assets, and publications.

Licensing and Travel
Hold and maintain a current “C” Class Driver’s Licence and be willing and able to travel throughout rural and remote areas as required.

General Duties
Undertake other duties consistent with the role as directed by the CEO or Corporate Services Manager.

Key selection criteria

The applicant’s suitability for this role will be assessed against the following competencies:

Selection Criteria 1

Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering integrated marketing, media, and communication strategies that support organisational goals, enhance public image, and drive stakeholder engagement.

Selection Criteria 2

Proven ability to promote tourism experiences and events through innovative campaigns and partnerships with the tourism, travel, retail, and regional development sectors.

Selection Criteria 3

Superior writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats including media releases, speeches, newsletters, web content, social media, and promotional materials, with attention to audience engagement and brand consistency

Selection Criteria 4

Experience managing websites and social media platforms using content management systems (CMS), scheduling tools, and analytics to drive community engagement and measure digital performance

Selection Criteria 5

Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with media, government representatives, internal teams, and external stakeholders

Selection Criteria 6

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently, meet deadlines, and maintain quality and consistency under pressure, while contributing positively to team objectives.

Selection Criteria 7

Proficiency in using design and publishing tools (e.g. Microsoft Publisher, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to produce engaging digital and print collateral aligned with brand and messaging standards.

Selection Criteria 8

Strong judgement, initiative, and diplomacy with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally and represent Council in a respectful and credible manner

Selection Criteria 9

Tertiary qualifications in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related discipline, and/or equivalent relevant experience in a similar role.

Selection Criteria 10

Current “C” Class Driver’s Licence with the ability and willingness to travel throughout rural and remote areas for events, media opportunities, or stakeholder engagement as required.

Other relevant information

This position will be subject to a minimum probationary period of three (3) months. The applicant’s employment will undergo a review at the end of the probationary period and a recommendation will be made to the Chief Executive Officer regarding permanent employment in the position.

The selected applicant may be required to provide Winton Shire Council with a recent photograph of the person, at the time of the person’s induction, for the purpose of creating a Winton Shire Council Employee Identity Card. Under (s138A) of the Queensland Local Government Act 2009 the employee has a legal obligation to hand any such identity card/s back to the employer within twenty-one days of termination of employment, unless the employee has a reasonable excuse.

In the event of organisational change or restructure, Council may require employees to undertake other roles for which they are qualified and capable of performing.