Head of Communications | Local Government

SB Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SB Recruitment is assisting a reputable local council in Sydney, NSW, to appoint an experienced Head of Communications on a six-month parental leave contract. The role leads communications and media activities, providing strategic support to the Lord Mayor and senior leaders.

You will manage a three-person team, set the communications agenda, handle media relations, and oversee high-quality releases, speeches and digital content across channels.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in government/ministry/local council communications.
• Strong media relations and issues management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience delivering strategic communications across traditional and digital channels.
• Proven team leadership and people management experience.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and executive influencing capabilities.
• 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 the 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 development and delivery of 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

Leadership

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

People management

Executive influencing

Job description

Head of Communications | Local Government

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.

You

To be successful for this Head of Communications role you must have:

• 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.