Executive Officer

Port Macquarie Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 91,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements - hybrid

Gym membership discount

Welcome Experience for relocations

Career development opportunities

Annual salary review & increases

Long service leave

Employee assistance program

Salary packaging options

Awards & recognition

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking an Executive Officer to join the Directors Office for Community, Planning and Environment. You will manage the Director’s calendar, coordinate governance activities, and lead cross-divisional projects to deliver strategic outcomes.

Role requires exceptional organisational and communication skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and a proactive approach to risk and deadlines. Hybrid work arrangements and extensive benefits are available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a multi-faceted executive support role.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking abilities.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
• A positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
• Current NSW Class C Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Executive Support & Coordination: Manage the Director’s calendar, priorities, and deadlines while overseeing executive business papers, council reporting, and correspondence to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Governance, Compliance & Administration: Ensure quality control of divisional documents, manage records, delegations, and compliance with council policies, and oversee budget preparation and monitoring for the Director’s office.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and manage the Director’s communication strategy, draft divisional communications, prepare presentations, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials and community representatives.
• Meetings, Projects & Initiatives: Coordinate Director-led meetings, track action items, support divisional business planning and performance measures, and lead the organisation of divisional initiatives, events, and activities.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Work closely with divisional staff and executive support teams to maintain high professional standards, support and provide leadership on organisational projects, and provide day-to-day operational supervision, including travel arrangements and minor purchasing.

Skills

Executive support

Organisational skills

Communication

Time management

Discretion

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Proactive attitude

Driver Licence

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Opportunity

PMHC is looking for a proactive and highly organised Executive Officer (EO) to join the Directors Office for Community, Planning and Environment. Reporting to the Director, you will be part of the division that shapes how our region grows — and protects what makes it worth growing. The Division brings together strategic land use planning, development assessment, building certification, environmental management and regulatory services, working across the full arc from long-term planning to on-the-ground compliance. The Executive Officer plays a key role in driving the Director’s agenda, ensuring divisional priorities are actioned, and that initiatives align with the council’s strategic direction. Additionally, the Executive Officer is responsible for monitoring the completion of divisional deliverables, tracking progress on key projects, and identifying any risks or delays that may impact outcomes. By proactively managing timelines and coordinating with relevant teams, they help maintain momentum and ensure that the Director’s objectives are successfully implemented.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support & Coordination: Manage the Director’s calendar, priorities, and deadlines while overseeing executive business papers, council reporting, and correspondence to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Governance, Compliance & Administration: Ensure quality control of divisional documents, manage records, delegations, and compliance with council policies, and oversee budget preparation and monitoring for the Director’s office.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and manage the Director’s communication strategy, draft divisional communications, prepare presentations, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials and community representatives.
• Meetings, Projects & Initiatives: Coordinate Director-led meetings, track action items, support divisional business planning and performance measures, and lead the organisation of divisional initiatives, events, and activities.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Work closely with divisional staff and executive support teams to maintain high professional standards, support and provide leadership on organisational projects, and provide day-to-day operational supervision, including travel arrangements and minor purchasing.

To succeed in the role, you will have the following

• Proven experience in a multi-faceted executive support role.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking abilities.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
• A positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
• Current NSW Class C Driver Licence.

Remuneration And Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent, 35 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting range from $90,760 to $101,588 depending on skills and experience

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to The Welcome Experience
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About The Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia’s most enviable locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches, national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries, theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid‑North Coast is perfect for hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role please contact Duncan Coulton, Acting Director Community, Planning and Environment on [phone] or [e-mail]

Applications Close: Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [e-mail]. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.