Community Development & Engagement Officer

About the role

Central Highlands Regional Council is seeking an internal applicant for a Community Development & Engagement Officer covering maternity leave, until mid-2027. The role plans, initiates and runs community development programs, events and projects to improve quality of life across the Central Highlands region, and supports council's community engagement and planning, with a focus on online methods. It is a full-time position based in Emerald or Blackwater.

Key responsibilities

• Support council's community planning, development and engagement activities in line with the Corporate Plan and other strategic documents.
• Help facilitate, implement and report on regional and place-based community planning.
• Deliver community development programs, initiatives and events across the region.
• Plan and run community meetings, consultations and events, and keep up with new approaches to engagement.
• Take part in ongoing training and self-development.
• Support advocacy activities and help administer online engagement platforms such as Have Your Say Central Highlands, Smartygrants and My Community Directory, giving advice on digital public relations.
• Carry out procurement, compile statistics, prepare meetings, take minutes and draft reports.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience engaging with the community to design and deliver community programs, events and initiatives.
• Qualification in a related field and/or equivalent expertise gained through previous appointments.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when required.
• Self-directed, able to work independently and in a multi-skilled team, with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Queensland C class provisional driver's licence and a Working with Children Blue Card.
• Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a visa allowing permanent work; temporary visa holders may be appointed on a temporary basis.

Required skills

• Competence with Microsoft Office applications.
• High level of digital literacy and ability to learn new online platforms.

What we offer

• Stream A, Level 3 pay of $101,509.53 - $107,888.37 per year, including superannuation and locality allowance.
• Superannuation scheme, 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading, fortnightly pay.
• Annual uniform allocation, payroll deduction and salary sacrifice options.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Applications close 9 November 2026. Applicants submit a cover letter and resume; shortlisted candidates go through a shortlisting process.