Communications Advisor

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 102,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Fitness Passport

Up to 5 weeks annual leave

Up to 3 weeks personal leave

Parental leave

Learning and development opportunities

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council is seeking an experienced Communications Advisor to partner with Council leaders, provide strategic communications advice, and help shape how Council connects with the community.

Reporting to the Communications Coordinator, you will deliver communication, engagement, brand and content initiatives, and oversee owned channels such as the Council website, My Cairns app and EDMs.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, marketing or similar field.
• Substantial experience in a similar role.
• Current Australian Drivers Licence to travel between locations.
• Demonstrated strategic communications capability and translating complex information for the public.
• Experience using digital platforms, websites, intranets and online surveys.
• Knowledge of communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement disciplines.
• Understanding of the local government context and working environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business units to provide strategic communications advice and support.
• Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
• Inform and advise best practice communications opportunities, channels, tools and approaches.
• Support and maintain Council's brand identity and corporate narratives.
• Oversee utilisation and management of owned channels including website, My Cairns app and EDMs.
• Develop engaging content and storytelling opportunities that showcase Council's services, projects and outcomes.
• Implement effective public participation methods, including online engagement platforms and surveys.
• Contribute to the measurement and reporting of performance against business objectives.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Content development

Digital platforms

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/PR/marketing

Job description

Salary Range: $102,167.42 - $120,402.98 per annum

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Are you a strategic communicator who enjoys building strong stakeholder relationships, influencing outcomes and delivering communication solutions that make a real impact?

We are seeking an experienced Communications Advisor to partner with business leaders across Council, provide trusted strategic communications advice, and help shape how Council connects with our community, and stakeholders.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Reporting to the Communications Coordinator, you will play a key role in supporting Council's strategic communications function through the delivery of communication, engagement, brand and content initiatives that inform and influence targeted audiences.

• Partnering with business units to provide strategic communications advice and support.
• Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies aligned to organisational objectives
• Inform and advise best practice communications opportunities, channels, tools and approaches.
• Support and maintain Council's brand identity and corporate narratives.
• Oversee utilisation and management of owned channels including website, My Cairns app and EDMs.
• Develop engaging content and storytelling opportunities that showcase Council's services, projects and outcomes
• Implement effective public participation methods, including the use of online engagement platforms and survey techniques.
• Contribute to the measurement and reporting of performance against business objectives.

What We’re Looking For:

• Tertiary qualifications in the disciplines of communications, public relations, marketing or similar field.
• Substantial experience in a similar role.
• Current Australian Drivers Licence to independently drive between business locations to meet operational needs.
• Demonstrated strategic communications capability and the ability to translate complex information into publicly accessible content.
• Experience using digital communication platforms, websites, intranets and online survey systems.
• Detailed knowledge of communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement disciplines.
• Understanding of the local government context and working environment.

This is an opportunity to influence major projects and initiatives across one of Queensland's largest regional local governments, working with leaders across the organisation to deliver meaningful outcomes for our community.

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:

Phone: [phone]

Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council