Communications Officer

Department: Corporate Services

Reports to: Manager Corporate Services

Salary Range: $1,483 - $1,692 per 35 hour week + superannuation

The Communications Officer plays an important role in ensuring that Warrumbungle Shire Council is positioned as a high profile, effective organisation. The role ensures Council’s communication materials are professional, consistent and in line with Council’s brand. 

As Communications Officer, you will write, produce and coordinate the development of communication material to provide information and promote opportunities to the Warrumbungle Shire community, in consultation with the Manager Corporate Services and members of the Executive Leadership Team. You will maintain and update Council’s website, intranet and social media platforms, administer and monitor Council’s social media activities, provide communication advice and services to internal clients and edit written communication both independently and as part of a team within a tight timeframe. 

You will also market Council activities and services to a broad audience using a range of communication channels, project manage the development and delivery of departmental campaigns and participate in community engagement activities.

The Communications Officer is a key support to the Manager Corporate Services for Council’s IT activities and provides support to other members of the Corporate Services team.

To succeed in this role, you will need relevant tertiary qualifications, the ability to produce media and written material and deliver communication services, a strong news sense with experience researching and writing creative editorial copy, great IT skills, a strong understanding of current communications trends and social media platforms and have the ability to easily engage with people across a range of communication methods.

Please click here to view the position description.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. 

Selection criteria include:

• Degree in Communication and Marketing or similar qualification in public relations, communications, marketing or a related field
• Commitment to delivering quality customer service and a strong desire to work with people on a daily basis to promote the interests of Council and the community it serves
• Finely tuned verbal communication and negotiation skills, used to build and maintain partnerships with clients to achieve communication objectives
• Design experience and exceptional written communication skills used to produce, proof read and edit a range of communication materials for different audiences
• Proven ability to assist in the planning, coordination and implementation of effective communication strategies and events, including community engagement
• Experience using web and social media platforms on behalf of an organisation
• Well-developed organisational, time management and project management skills
• Class ‘C’ drivers licence
• Previous experience in local government would be highly advantageous.

Benefits of working for Council

Council are committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including

• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Monthly RDO
• Support for training and professional development
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Employee Assistance Program available to support you and your family through all life’s challenges
• PPE provided
• Generous uniform allowance

About Warrumbungle Shire Council

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. We are an EEO Employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding careers@warrumbungle.nsw.gov.au to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 5 January 2025.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.