Public Affairs Officer

Internal Applications Only

About the role

The role sits within the Public Affairs team which leads strategic communication engagement and issues management to support the organisation to achieve its objectives including:

• articulating the strategic vision and priorities
• guiding impactful communications and engagement to promote the vision and priorities
• issues and reputation management.

What youll do

The Public Affairs Officer supports Councils communication and public affairs efforts. Key responsibilities include:

• providing expert advice on communications needs deliverables and risks across public affairs issues
• developing implementing and updating comprehensive communications plans to support the Councils strategic engagement framework
• researching and preparing Mayoral Minutes Mayoral Column key messages speeches presentations collateral and correspondence for the Mayor Councillors and senior management
• assisting the Public Affairs Manager with proactive and reactive media liaison support
• preparing engaging informative high-quality and factually accurate messages correspondence briefs reports and presentations
• fostering effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including subject matter experts to facilitate the development and delivery of communications and stakeholder engagement activities
• providing strategic and operational communications advice on internal and external communications issues ensuring consistent messaging and sharing best practices
• collaborating with third-party agencies and stakeholders to deliver strategic communications programs specifically related to public affairs
• providing assistance with support of Mayor Deputy Mayor or Mayoral delegate with preparation for and attendance at public engagements media and communications
• supporting the Public Affairs Manager in public affairs issues management for the General Manager and Executive Leadership team.

Essential

• Tertiary qualification in Communications or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience developing implementing and evaluating an effective communications process and comprehensive communications plan to support the rollout and delivery of a major program and/or project
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and risk management plan to support the rollout and delivery of a program and/or project
• Demonstrated experience producing content to suit a range of formats and a diverse audience including for online social and print delivery
• Ability to demonstrate the use of emerging technologies and their implementation in communication outcomes
• Demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities including ability to negotiate with internal and/or external stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met

Desirable

• Previous experience working in Local Government
• Experience working in the media or in a similar role
• Current Class C driver license

Applications are invited from suitably experienced and qualified staff for the permanent full-time Public Affairs Officer position.

Applicants are asked to submit a letter outlining their suitability for the role and a comprehensive resume.

In addition to the outline above please be sure to refer to the Position Description for more details about the role responsibilities and selection criteria.

For further information or questions please contact Anna Petersen Public Affairs Manager on or.

About Council

AtCouncil were passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life so were here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits including:

• A range of flexible work arrangements
• 18 weeks paid maternity leave
• Health and wellbeing leave
• 15 days personal leave
• Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
• Diverse salary packaging
• Free access to all Ripples venues
• And much much more!

Penrith is a City with exciting city-shaping projects and programs unfolding right across the region. Were looking for the best and brightest to join Councils Communications Digital Design and Corporate Events Team to contribute to this work through engaging and dynamic communications digital and events campaigns and strategies.