Community Engagement Officer

Cessnock City Council; Cessnock City Council; Hybrid; AUD 81,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body in New South Wales is seeking a Community Engagement Officer to facilitate discussions and deliver successful engagement plans. This role requires a relevant degree and offers flexible work arrangements, including part-time options. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in community engagement. Competitive remuneration of $81,605 - $94,490 plus benefits.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

13% superannuation

Generous leave entitlements

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Generous corporate fitness program

Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs

Free flu vaccination program

Free parking on-site

Qualifications

• Must hold relevant degree qualifications.
• Proven experience in community engagement outcomes.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver effective engagement plans.
• Organise community meetings and discussions.
• Collaborate with internal departments on engagement initiatives.

Skills

Community Engagement

Relationship Building

Communication

Organisational Skills

Proactive Engagement Strategies

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Education

Degree in Community Development or related field

Job description

About the opportunity

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Remuneration

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

Benefits

• 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!

About you

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.

Pre-Employment Screening

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.

About Us

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 [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 30 October 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Emilie Wiggers, Principal Community Engagement Officer on 0401 107 448.

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