Communications Advisor

Band 6 fixed-term, part-time position ($91,912 - $100,184 per annum, pro rata) + super
- Become a crucial part of a high-performing, innovative, creative, and friendly team
- Enjoy a great work-life balance with flexible working/hybrid options available

**About Baw Baw Shire Council**

A Baw Baw Shire Council career goes beyond business as usual. You'll find exciting development pathways rich in opportunity. Our thriving and engaged culture-first workplace is built on the passion and talent of people who proudly deliver vital services and exciting projects to a community they care about.

Our organisation comprises of a multicultural workplace of around 400 full-time, part-time and casual employees, all benefiting from great flexibility, work/life sway, study support, health and wellbeing initiatives and ongoing learning and development programs.

At Baw Baw Shire Council, we invite our people to tackle projects that keep them inspired. We encourage the exploration of new ideas. We support the enhancement of building on current skills and developing new ones.

Located adjacent to Melbourne, Baw Baw Shire is one of Victoria's fastest growing municipalities with freeway and V/Line access into Melbourne's CBD and suburbs. This allows easy access to training, seminars and conferences in the city, without diminishing the direct impact that comes from working within a close-knit rural community.

**About the Role**

Come and join our team We are seeking a creative communications superstar to join our Strategic Communications department. As Communications Advisor, you will work closely with the Manager Strategic Communications, primarily supporting the media communications functions of the organisation. This includes media relations, writing and editing media releases, assisting with critical management as required and playing a key communication role in the event of an emergency, creating Council publications and communication collateral content and developing comprehensive Communications Plans where required. Your role is to:

- Manage media relations.
- Research, write and edit media releases in accordance with Council’s corporate identity standards, guidelines and strategic goals.
- Develop and foster relationships with key local and metropolitan media with a view to generating positive media coverage for Council programs.
- Arrange for the timely distribution of approved communication materials to the appropriate media and other stakeholders.
- Provide strategic advice to staff and Councillors on media issues as required.
- Assist with critical management as required and play a key communication role in the event of an emergency.
- Provide advice and assistance to other Council departments in the development and/or production of communications tools.
- Plan, develop and lead comprehensive Communications Plans where required.
- Support the Manager Strategic Communications in high periods of demand with media and communications enquiries, including emergency management incidents.
- Attend Council events as communications support and take photos.
- All other duties and additional tasks as directed, within the skills and abilities of a position at this level.

You will enjoy a varied portfolio across all areas of Baw Baw Shire communications, and have the opportunity to contribute to key projects and strategies whilst providing support for the whole communications team to ensure that quality communication, engagement, and customer service is achieved.

To be successful in this position, you will have:

- The ability to write for a variety of mediums and audiences, including media releases, speeches etc.
- Ability to research and proof editorial content for advertising copy and speeches.
- Knowledge of and understanding of media
- Knowledge and understanding of the economic, political and social issues relating to Local Government environment is preferred.
- Strong computer skills in MS Office.
- Experience using programs and software such as Open Cities and media monitoring systems. This is preferred but not essential.
- Photography skills preferred but not essential.
- Demonstrated skills in the development of communications strategies.
- Excellent communication, relationship building skills and sound decision making.
- A strong desire to learn.

**Why you'll love working for Baw Baw Shire**
- Hybrid work options.
- Flexible work options, including remote and work flexible work hours.
- Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs.
- Access to rostered day off every four weeks (when working full time.)
- Career development opportunities.
- Study/development assistance.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP.)
- A thriving Social Club.
- Close to Public transport.
- Ample free parking nearby.

**Further Information and How To Apply**
- Baw Baw Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and works in the interest of the safety of children and young people. Our recruitment proc