About the Opportunity

At PMHC, every employee contributes to delivering positive outcomes for our community. We are seeking an experienced Strategic Communications Specialist to join our team on a 12-month temporary contract.

The successful candidate will help shape Council's public voice by providing strategic advice to the Mayor and CEO, delivering innovative communication strategies, and supporting crisis responses. You will work collaboratively with a dynamic communications team to ensure clear, trusted and timely communication, while enhancing understanding of Council's priorities and strengthening trust with the community.

This role will be responsible for:

• Develop strategic communication plans for consistent, impactful messaging.
• Provide high-level advice in routine and crisis situations.
• Design contemporary communication frameworks and policies.
• Support crisis communication responses and media engagement.
• Create compelling content for diverse channels.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships for transparent communication.

To succeed in this role you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism.
• Extensive strategic communications experience, ideally in government.
• Proven ability to support senior executives in complex settings.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate and adapt strategies.
• Collaborative, professional, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Temporary (12 month), 35 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of $107,997 to $120,860 depending on skills and experience

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviable locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches, national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries, theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Ashleigh Shiplee, Communicaitons Manager on (02) 6581 8027.

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form below and provide a cover letter addressing the essential requirements found within the position description, then upload with a copy of your resume.

You will find the position description when you apply for the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Tuesday 2 September 2025 at 11:30pm

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address [email protected] and Pulse email [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.