About us
At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including:
- A range of flexible work arrangements
- 18 weeks paid maternity leave
- Health and wellbeing leave
- 15 days personal leave
- Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
- Diverse salary packaging
- Free access to all Ripples venues
- And much, much more!
The Future Directions and Resilience Department supports Council in preparing for growth and change within our community and region. The department actively engages with our community on matters of importance and then uses this information to align Council’s goals, objectives, and financial targets in the delivery of these aspirations. Acknowledging that local government operates best when aligned with other tiers of government, the department also manages public affairs, ensuring that the vision of Council for our community is clearly articulated and promoted to both government and private sector partners.
The public affairs team helps achieve Council’s objectives by leading strategic narrative, managing public interest issues and reputation, and managing stakeholder relations.
About the role
The Media and Communications Advisor provides timely, expert, day-to-day support and advice to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate on Council’s projects, programs and matters. The role sits within the Public Affairs team, which manages public interest issues and reputation. The role ensures the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Mayoral delegate is informed, concisely briefed, and prepared ahead of time to deliver key messages to all stakeholders as Council’s primary spokesperson. The role assists in preparing materials, providing and receiving feedback, and is at events and activities to support the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Mayoral delegate. The role supports the Mayor, or Mayoral delegate, responding to relevant media matters.
Essential criteria
- Tertiary qualification in Communications, Journalism, Political Science or a relevant discipline
- Demonstrated experience preparing and supporting an executive, elected member or minister with the day-to-day delivery of activities including the preparation of concise communications briefing materials
- Demonstrated experience supporting an executive, elected member, or minister with strategic and considered communication and media support
- Demonstrated experience developing a presence and/or strategy for media participation for an executive, elected member or minister as a primary spokesperson for an organisation
- Demonstrated experience preparing media releases, media responses and managing media issues
- Demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities including ability to negotiate with internal and/or external stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience working in Local Government
- Experience working in the media or in a similar role
- Current Class C driver licence
Commencing salary: $103,939.00 to $120,314.00 per annum, plus 11.5% superannuation.
You may be required to undertake background checks, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.
How to Apply
Visit careers.penrith.city to view the position description and to find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council. To submit your application, please apply online using the link below.
In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (listed above) as a part of their initial application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.
Completed applications must be received by 11.55pm on the closing date. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application.
For further information about the position, please contact Anna Petersen, Public Affairs Manager, on 0473 509 756.
Council is a Child Safe Organisation, for more information about this please see our website.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
