Communication Officer

**Communication Officer - Mayor & Councillor Support**:
**Job no**: 497630

**Work type**: Permanent Full Time

**Classification**: Band 6 ($88,493 - $95,456 pa)

**Categories**: Administration & Support, Marketing & Communication

**Create our future together at the City of Greater Geelong**
At City of Greater Geelong, we are committed to working together for a thriving community. We do this by delivering over 130 services to our rapidly growing population and working hard to protect and improve what it is that makes Greater Geelong on Wadawurrung country such a great place to live, work and study.

We’re going through an exciting period of change that will help us serve our community better. From digital modernisation to the contemporary, sustainable office we’ve built in Central Geelong, now more than ever is a great time to join our team at the City of Greater Geelong.

Our Community is made up of diverse people from all walks of life, and it’s important to us that our workforce represents and celebrates this strength.

We encourage great people from all backgrounds to join us. We encourage authenticity, because inclusion makes us stronger.

If you’re excited about working together to create a Clever and Creative Greater Geelong, and joining a workplace where all people can thrive, then hit **apply** - we’d love to meet you

**About the role**
In this role, you will be providing the primary communications support for the Mayor and Councillors for all external communication relating to their Council responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:

- Undertaking a range of communications tasks and activities, typically involving: speeches for Council and community events; editorial columns for local newspapers; briefing notes for council meetings, public engagement sessions, and media interviews; media releases; social media content; moderating public comments on the mayor’s social channels; responding to inquiries via social media; and management of media opportunities.
- Attending official events and activities involving the Mayor and Councillors, and provide a high level of communications support. (Note: includes some after hours work).
- Communicating important information to the community, particularly relating to Council decisions and City of Greater Geelong projects and initiatives.
- Publicly advocating on behalf of the Greater Geelong community and building a visible presence and positive reputation in their roles.

**About you**
To be successful in this role, you will have a Tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, media, policy research or a related field.

Essential Experience:

- Very highly developed written communication skills (i.e. the ability to research and prepare content including media releases, speeches, media briefs, and any other relevant material for a broad audience).
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence others and negotiate complex issues.
- Demonstrated understanding of the political machinations of government and highly developed ‘nous’.
- Demonstrated understanding of the media and ability to achieve positive earned media outcomes through planned communications tactics.
- Excellent awareness of current opportunities and issues confronting Greater Geelong.

**A career with us**
With flexible working options, our people have choice in how and where they work. Our employees connect with us from across the Greater Geelong region and beyond.

Central Geelong-based City employees are now based in our new Civic Precinct, Wurriki Nyal. Meaning ‘speak and talk together’ in local Wadawurrung language. Wurriki Nyal sets the benchmark for what a sustainable, inclusive and culturally safe workplace can be, including industry leading sustainability standards, a flexible and people-focused design, safe and inclusive spaces and public realm.

We’re committed to supporting better accessibility for our customers and our people. We encourage you to talk to us about any adjustments or additional support you may require during the recruitment process, as well as how this role can be flexible for you.

We offer:

- flexible work arrangements including RDO options in specified work areas
- salary sacrificing and novated lease options
- cultural and ceremonial leave
- study leave
- paid parental leave (16 weeks primary and six weeks secondary) and superannuation payments on all 52 weeks primary parental leave
- IVF, surrogate and miscarriage bereavement leave
- training and career development opportunities
- a healthy and safe environment
- our employee wellbeing program
- corporate membership rates for health insurance
- corporate membership rates at Swim Sport and Leisure facilities

**Applications and Enquiries**
- We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience. We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demograp