Graduate Mayoral Office

City of Gold Coast; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 67,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Gold Coast is offering a 12‑month Graduate Academy, full‑time, with a 9‑day fortnight and a 36‑hour week. The program starts February 2027 and provides hands‑on experience across advocacy, communications, and city operations within the Mayor's Office.

Candidates should hold a recent Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree and have full working rights in Australia. The role focuses on contributing to diverse projects, learning from industry leaders, and developing professional networks while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification completed within the last two years or be completing prior to February 2027.
• Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

Responsibilities

• Research issues, prepare briefings and correspondence, coordinate stakeholder matters, and provide administrative, communications and information management support.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Support advocacy, communications and city operations across the Mayor's Office and related departments.

Job description

• Full Time Fixed Term | 9-day fortnight | 36 hours per week
• Salary: From $79,016 per annum plus superannuation
• Position Overview - Graduate Position Brief

We know you are driven by growth and opportunity, eager to build your career and ready to make an impact. That's why we offer a full time, 12-month Graduate Academy designed to unlock your potential and equip you with the knowledge, skills and hands‑on experience to excel in your chosen career.

Working alongside industry leaders, you will contribute to a range of projects and initiatives that help shape and connect our City, with real world opportunities to learn, grow and progress. Through our tailored development program, valuable industry connections and the support of our Graduate Academy community, you will build the skills, networks and confidence to take your career further.

Start your career at the City

Starting February 2027, the Graduate Academy combines professional development with meaningful on-the-job experience, designed to support your transition from university into the workplace. As a graduate at the City, you will benefit from:

• opportunities to contribute to projects and initiatives you won't find anywhere else.
• guidance, coaching and support from experienced industry leaders, mentors and peers.
• a connected Graduate Academy cohort, giving you a network of peers to learn and grow alongside.
• work‑based learning and a tailored program of personal, professional and career development.
• a range of Graduate Academy experiences, including City tours, exclusive CEO talks and cohort events.
• support on your pathway towards professional accreditation.

What's on offer

Join the fast‑paced Office of the Mayor, supporting advocacy, communications, correspondence, community engagement, international relations and office operations. You will work across the Office to research issues, prepare briefings and correspondence, coordinate stakeholder matters, and provide administrative, communications and information management support, while handling sensitive information with discretion.

What we are looking for

We are looking for graduates who are ready to learn, contribute and make a difference. You will:

• be curious, motivated and keen to contribute to the future of the Gold Coast.
• bring new ideas, perspectives and a continuous improvement mindset.
• take ownership of your learning and professional development.
• embrace new challenges and adapt as you build your experience.
• analyse information, think critically and approach problems with curiosity.
• communicate with confidence, build strong relationships and contribute to a positive team culture.
• work collaboratively and value different perspectives, experiences and ideas.

Who can apply?

To be considered for this opportunity you must hold a recognised bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification from a tertiary institution, completed within the last two years or be completing prior to the commencement of the program in February 2027. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

The Mayoral Office Graduate welcomes graduates who have studied Bachelor of Government and International Relations, International Relations, Politics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, Business; and related fields.

Closing Date: Monday 5 October 2026 / 10:30pm AEST

The City of Gold Coast is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to supporting an environment where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.