Communications & Engagement Lead

Kingston City Council; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Flexible work options

Learning and development opportunities

Salary packaging

16 weeks parental leave

Employee assistance programs

Close to public transport

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Kingston City Council is seeking a dynamic Communications & Engagement Lead to drive strategic communications and engagement initiatives. You will lead a small team, work with a peer to deliver campaigns, and roll up your sleeves to execute standout communications for Kingston's priorities.

You will guide a team of professionals, shape messages, manage media and engage diverse communities while partnering with cross‑Council stakeholders. Hybrid work and flexible options are available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in communications, PR or engagement (government or complex organisations preferred).
• Strong writing skills across media channels (media, social, speeches, web).
• Ability to build relationships and influence outcomes with stakeholders.
• Leadership experience mentoring or supervising others.
• Qualifications in communications or related field or significant equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support a team of communications and engagement professionals.
• Oversee planning and delivery of strategic communications, campaigns and media management.
• Drive strategic, engaging communications to support Kingston's priorities and connect with the community.
• Partner across Council to ensure projects are clear, consistent and customer-focused.
• Build relationships and act as a trusted advisor with variety in your portfolio.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic communications

Strong writing

Stakeholder engagement

Media management

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism

Job description

Job Task Analysis - Strategic Engagement & Communication

• Lead a high-performing team delivering comms that create impact
• Hybrid & flexible working
• Band 7 $110,488 - $123,778 perannum (dependent on experience) plus superannuation
• Cheltenham location

Help shape Kingston's story. Lead the team that connects our community.

We're looking for a dynamic Communications & Engagement Lead to join Kingston's Strategic Communications & Engagement team. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement, this hands‑on leadership role will work side‑by‑side with a second Communications & Engagement Lead to guide and inspire two small teams of specialists while also rolling up your sleeves to deliver standout communications and engagement campaigns yourself.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading, coaching and supporting a team of communications and engagement professionals.
• Overseeing the planning and delivery of strategic communications, campaigns, engagement activities and media management.
• Driving strategic, engaging communications that support Kingston's priorities, manage reputational risk and connect with our diverse community.
• Partnering across Council to ensure projects are clear, consistent and customer‑focused
• Building great relationships and acting as a trusted advisor on communications and engagement, with plenty of variety in your portfolio.

About you:

You're a natural communicator and team leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. You can balance strategy with delivery, juggle competing priorities, and you know how to inspire confidence in stakeholders. You bring:

• Proven experience in communications, PR or engagement (ideally in government or complex organisations).
• Strong writing skills across a variety of channels (media, social, speeches, web, collateral).
• A knack for building relationships and influencing outcomes.
• Leadership skills with experience mentoring or supervising others.
• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field (or significant experience).

Kingston values diversity and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their true self. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, identities and experiences to apply.

Why Kingston?

At Kingston Council, we believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us:

• Hybrid work options – average 2 days working from home (or pro rata)
• Flexible Work Options, including remote and work flexible work hours
• Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs
• Access to accrued day off every four weeks (Full time employees only)
• Salary Packaging
• Purchase leave options
• Career development opportunities,
• Study/development assistance
• Discounted gym memberships
• 16 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and partner carers
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Social club events
• Close to Public transport
• Free Onsite parking

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to reconciliation and being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment.