Group Manager Communications

The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as we grow and transform into a Global City. The intensity of growth and investment in City of Parramatta means that Council, their partners, and community have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City's future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

About the role

Within the City Engagement and Experience Directorate, this role plays a crucial part in contributing to the strategic positioning of the City of Parramatta.

Collaborating closely with the Directorate's leadership, the position ensures that all core management responsibilities align with the overarching vision and strategic direction set for the City of Parramatta. The role leads the identification, development and management of strategic partnerships with key organisations and stakeholders, fostering collaborative initiatives that support the City's long-term objectives and add value to the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Communication & Customer Engagement Unit which consists of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations functions of Council, Research & Engagement and the Customer Service Centre to deliver programs, partnerships, products, and services aligned with the City of Parramatta's vision and priorities.
• Lead the organisational commitment to stakeholder engagement and economic development.
• Act as the expert advisor to facilitate effective communication between Council, the community, and other stakeholders.
• Identify, cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with external organisations, government agencies, business groups and community stakeholders to enhance Council's programs, services and engagement outcomes.
• Drive the end-to-end process of strategic partnership development—identifying opportunities, initiating engagement with potential partners, negotiating terms, and formalising agreements.
• Ensure all partnerships are structured to deliver clear benefits, support innovation, and are monitored through robust evaluation frameworks to maximise value and impact for both Council and the community.
• Contribute to setting targets in the Council's annual Management Planning process and advise on the impact of long-term plans and strategies.
• Implement creative and effective solutions for continuous improvement of business performance and service delivery.
• Ensure the application of Council's formal Project Management methodology for all relevant Unit activities.
• Understand and incorporate Council objectives, policies and related legislation, financial reporting, compliance, procurement and contract management requirements, project management processes, stakeholder engagement best practice and robust safety and risk management practices across Unit activities.
• Engage in strategic workforce planning to align workforce capability with future priorities and objectives.
  Lead the management of change, support team development, and encourage a culture that values collaboration and acknowledges the input and achievement of others.

About You:

We are seeking a leader with:

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in a relevant field in a medium-large sized organisation.
• Demonstrated high-level experience with the development and successful implementation of innovative plans and strategies.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement, customer service and public relations skills and an ability to demonstrate the ability to develop, lead and manage innovative strategies, plans, projects and programs.
• Proven experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships across government, business, and community sectors.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, enabling you to formalise agreements that drive innovation and shared value.
• Ability to lead and manage staff including management of change and support for team development.
• Advanced problem solving and decision-making ability along with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly developed strategy development and planning skills.
  Local government experience is desirable.

Qualifications:

• Tertiary (Degree) qualification in Media, Communications, Public Relations, or a relevant discipline or significant relevant experience.
  Current driver's license.

What's on offer:

This is a Permanent Opportunity.

We are offering an attractive total remuneration from $219,350 to $243,284 plus 12% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
  Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Review our Values Flyer which outlines Council's core values and behaviours.

Alternatively for a confidential discussion please contact our Recruitment team on email

How to apply:

Candidates must apply online attaching a copy of your resume and cover letter addressing the essential criteria of the role.

Applications close 9pm, Wednesday 22 th October and will not be accepted through any other medium.

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.