Communications Officer

**Permanent, Full Time with Monthly RDO option**:

- **Band 6 salary range $88,829 to $98,566 per annum plus super**:

- **Exciting opportunity to deliver communications on city shaping projects**

**The role**

This Communications Officer role is part of the City of Ballarat’s Communications and Design team and is responsible for the development and implementation of communication programs to benefit the Ballarat community and advance the objectives of the City of Ballarat.

The position is responsible for ensuring the City of Ballarat is proactive and responsive in their communication with the community, the media and other stakeholders.

The role will include daily responsibilities, such as:

- Provide accurate and timely research, writing and editing services, media release distribution, media responses, community newsletters, stakeholder messages, comments/opinions, briefing notes and other communication materials, as required, for and on behalf of Council, the Mayor and Leadership Team.
- Coordinate media and communication activity and stakeholders to maximise the use of owned, earned and paid channels for the organisation.
- Coordinate digital communications activities, including updating content of the existing webpages, coordination with the social media content officer and other related website work.
- Contribute to and implement stakeholder engagement strategies that enhance the communication and relations between the Council, the City of Ballarat, the media, the community and the broader region.
- Undertake specific projects as required, which includes some out of hours and weekend work.

The role will effectively manage relationships that positively influence Council's image in the community through strategic communication, community connectivity, regular written copy and the implementation of the communications for major initiatives of the City of Ballarat and Council.

**About you**

To be successful in this role, you will have excellent oral and written communication skills to prepare communications for external, internal and digital audiences.

The ability and experience of proactively promoting and improving an organisation's public image and enhance community understanding of an organisation’s role, service and achievement through effective communications and public relations materials and methods.

Demonstrated experience working in a high-pressure environment and managing competing priorities and tight timeframes.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- The position requires tertiary qualifications in Communications/Public Relations/Media/Journalism.
- More than five years working in a communications or public relations role.
- Demonstrated experience working within a government department, media or similar organisations with political sensitivity.

**Key selection criteria**
- Tertiary qualification in Communications/Public relations/Media/Journalism or more than five years working in a communications or public relations role.
- Example of ability to proactively promote and improve an organisation's public image and enhance community understanding of an organisation’s role, service and achievement through effective communications and public relations materials and methods.
- Example of experience influencing and developing relationships with key stakeholders.
- Example of experience working in a high-pressure environment and managing competing priorities and tight timeframes.
- What is your experience dealing with potentially sensitive communications that had political and/or social impacts? Please explain a specific example of how you managed a situation.

**To apply**

The successful applicant will be required to undergo a full employment medical and police check.

**Contact**

For any additional questions, please contact Coordinator Communications, Sam Shalders on 0418 532 945.**Job Ref**:

- WB000047**Submitted**:

- 16-05-2025

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