Media and Communications Officer

**About the opportunity**:
Are you on the search for your new career move and have a passion for Media and Communications?

Council has an exciting full-time opportunity available for a motivated enthusiastic and creative individual to independently develop, manage and implement communication strategies and campaigns to promote Council projects, priorities and services to the community. In this role you will develop and maintain positive relationships with media stakeholders and provide communications and media support to the Mayor, General Manager and key staff on everything communications.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

**Remuneration**:
$81,605 - $94,490 per annum plus superannuation.

**The Benefits**:

- Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
- 13% superannuation
- Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
- Paid Parental Leave
- Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
- Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members
- Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
- Free flu vaccination program
- Free parking on-site
- Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley

**About you**:
You will bring the following skills, experience and qualifications to the role:

- A degree in Communications, Media, Public Relations or other tertiary qualifications relevant to the key responsibilities of the role.
- Proven experience in a similar communications role, with a strong ability to manage a broad range of communication issues and liaise effectively with media.
- Well-developed analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically assess information, identify core issues, evaluate their significance to Council, and develop timely, effective solutions.
- A sound understanding of, and hands-on experience with, a variety of communication tools and channels - including print, broadcast and digital news production, social media, advertising, and newspaper/magazine layout.
- Experience in identifying, monitoring and managing sensitive issues, and providing informed advice and recommendations to senior communications leaders.
- Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Electronic Document Management Systems, and graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Strong time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to perform well in high-pressure environments, manage multiple tasks, and consistently meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with a flair for creative and engaging writing.
- Practical experience and capability in capturing both video and still imagery.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, foster strong working relationships, and operate confidently within a political or public sector environment.

**What's Next?**:
**Pre-Employment Screening**:
**About Us**:
At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

**Applications Close: Thursday 9 October 2025 at 11.30pm**

**Who to Contact: Mikaela Booth, Senior Media and Communications Officer on 0436 948 454.**
- Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice._