Manager Communications & Engagement

About the role

Central Highlands Regional Council in Emerald, Queensland, is creating a new senior leadership position for a Manager Communications & Engagement. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the role leads an established team of about eight professionals and brings together the Council's Communications and Community Engagement functions under a unified approach. The package is an executive salary of $225K-$257K TRP.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Communications and Community Engagement functions
• Shape and deliver the Council's new Communications Strategy
• Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies aligned with Council's priorities
• Advise the CEO, Mayor and executive leadership on communications, media, reputation and emerging issues
• Lead community consultation and strengthen relationships with residents, businesses and stakeholders
• Oversee corporate communications, media relations, reputation management and emerging issues
• Drive improvements in digital communications, internal engagement and information sharing
• Support Community Reference Groups and ensure consultation outcomes are communicated and acted upon
• Build a high-performing, collaborative team focused on accountability, capability development and continuous improvement

Required profile

• Senior leadership experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and community relations
• Proven success developing and delivering communication and engagement strategies
• Experience advising executive leadership and managing sensitive or complex stakeholder matters
• Sound political awareness and ability to work in a government or similar complex environment
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or significant comparable professional experience
• Experience in local or state government is highly regarded; leaders from other complex, community-facing organisations are also welcome

Required skills

• Media relations, issues management and organisational reputation
• Leadership of teams through organisational change
• Interpersonal, influencing and relationship management skills

What we offer

• Executive remuneration package of $225K-$257K TRP
• A newly created senior leadership role with direct access to the CEO
• Opportunity to lead and develop an established team of about eight
• Significant influence over the Council's future communications and engagement strategy

Applications close on 1 December; candidates apply by submitting their CV and cover letter through the application button.