Community Engagement Officer

Are you passionate about building stronger communities, fostering trust, and making sure people feel informed and heard? We're looking for a motivated and collaborative Community Engagement Officer to join our team and help deliver engagement that truly matters.

In this role, you'll work alongside the Principal Community Engagement Officer to design and deliver effective engagement plans that support Council's projects, programs, and services. You'll take the lead in organising community meetings and facilitating discussions with landholders, residents, contractors, and local businesses, ensuring community voices are heard and considered. The role also involves close collaboration with Councillors, government agencies, Council's Executive and Management teams, and internal departments to coordinate and implement engagement initiatives.

This is a full-time position; however, part-time may be considered for the right candidate. Must be available to work at least three days per week.

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

$81,605 - $94,490 per annum plus 13% superannuation

• Full-time 35 hours per week, or part-time for the right candidate
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, flexible working hours and option of a 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

You will hold Degree qualifications in Community Development, Social Sciences, Communication, Public Relations or other relevant equivalent qualifications, with proven experience delivering successful community engagement outcomes. You communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences and build strong relationships with communities, stakeholders, and government agencies.

You are highly motivated and organised, able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, and skilled in developing proactive engagement strategies for diverse communities. Collaborative and professional, you're proficient in Microsoft Office and digital engagement tools, and committed to fostering a culture of effective community engagement.

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume.

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

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 are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

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.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 30 October 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Emilie Wiggers, Principal Community Engagement Officer on

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.