Head Of Communications - Local Government

Government Client (Agency Undisclosed); Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Part time

Job summary

Local Council in Sydney is seeking an experienced Head of Communications for a six-month parental leave contract. The role leads communications and media activities while supporting the Lord Mayor, requiring ministerial or local government experience and strong stakeholder navigation.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, you will manage a small team, set the communications agenda with executives, and handle media inquiries with timely briefings for high-profile public engagements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership communications role within a government, ministerial, political or local council environment.
• Strong media relations and issues management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering strategic communications across traditional and digital channels.
• Proven team leadership and people management skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and executive influencing skills.
• Experience advising senior leaders on media and communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of three, driving performance and delivering communications priorities.
• Set and deliver the communications agenda in collaboration with Executive leadership team.
• Lead proactive issues management and rapid media responses to emerging issues and reputational risks.
• Manage media enquiries, prepare media statements and oversee media relations.
• Oversee the development and delivery of high-quality media releases, speeches, social media content, articles and publications.
• Monitor social media trends and provide strategic advice on digital engagement and communications opportunities.
• Identify and prioritise key communications initiatives across all media channels.
• Provide timely briefings and prepare the Lord Mayor for media interviews, events and public engagements.

Skills

Media relations

Issues management

Executive communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Strategic communications

Job description

The Company Our client is a reputable local council committed to creating a green, global, connected and inclusive city that is liveable, culturally vibrant, sustainable and full of opportunity. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to join the team on a six-month parental leave contract. The role will lead communications and media activities while providing strategic communications support to the Lord Mayor. The successful candidate will bring proven experience in a ministerial, political or local government environment, with strong media management skills, exceptional communication capabilities and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships in a high-profile public sector setting.

The Job Reporting into the Chief of Staff, during this exciting Head of Communications opportunity, you will be accountable for:

• Lead and manage a team of three, driving performance and delivering communications priorities.
• Set and deliver the communications agenda in collaboration with Executive leadership team.
• Lead proactive issues management and rapid media responses to emerging issues and reputational risks.
• Manage media enquiries, prepare media statements and oversee media relations.
• Oversee the development and delivery of high-quality media releases, speeches, social media content, articles and publications.
• Monitor social media trends and provide strategic advice on digital engagement and communications opportunities.
• Identify and prioritise key communications initiatives across all media channels.
• Provide timely briefings and prepare the Lord Mayor for media interviews, events and public engagements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership communications role within a government, ministerial, political or local council environment.
• Strong media relations and issues management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering strategic communications across traditional and digital channels.
• Proven team leadership and people management skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and executive influencing skills.
• Experience advising senior leaders on media and communications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.