Manager Communications

Port Macquarie Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 124,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Gym membership discounts

Welcome Experience relocation support

Learning and development opportunities

Annual salary review

Long service leave

Employee assistance program

Salary packaging options

Awards ceremony

Job summary

Port Macquarie Hastings Council is seeking a Communications Manager to lead the corporate communications function and drive a customer-focused approach across the organisation. You will provide strategic leadership across communications, media, reputation management, campaigns, digital channels, content and brand.

You will lead a talented team, work with Executive leaders, and ensure communications are clear, accessible, and responsive to community needs.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing a communications team.
• Strategic and corporate communications, media and reputation management.
• Ability to provide clear, trusted advice to senior leaders.
• Experience managing communications during issues or crises.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a skilled communications team and set clear priorities.
• Provide strategic communications, media and reputation advice to executives.
• Guide communications for major projects and community issues.
• Lead council responses to emerging issues and crises.
• Oversee corporate channels, campaigns, content and brand.
• Collaborate across the organisation to improve forward planning and campaigns.
• Use data and community insights to measure impact and improve communication.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder management

Executive advisory

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related discipline

Job description

About The Opportunity

Are you a strategic communications leader who thrives in complex environments and enjoys developing high-performing teams? At Port Macquarie Hastings Council, communication is key to how our community connects with, understands, and trusts Council. We are seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead our corporate communications function and drive a contemporary, customer-focused approach across the organisation. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership across communications, media, reputation management, campaigns, digital channels, content, and brand. Working closely with Executive leaders and teams across Council, you will ensure communications are clear, consistent, accessible, and responsive to community needs. You will also lead and develop a talented team, fostering a positive, accountable culture and creating an environment where people can perform at their best. If you're a collaborative leader who can provide trusted advice, navigate complexity, and turn strategy into meaningful communication, we'd love to hear from you.

About You

You will be an experienced communications professional and people leader who combines strategic thinking with a practical approach to delivery.

You Will Bring

• demonstrated experience leading and developing a communications team, including building capability, managing performance, and creating a positive and accountable team culture
• significant experience in strategic and corporate communications, media, public relations, reputation management and contemporary communication channels
• strong judgement and the ability to provide clear, trusted advice to senior leaders, particularly on complex, sensitive or high-profile matters
• demonstrated experience managing communications during emerging issues, crises, or periods of significant organisational or community change
• highly developed written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly for different audiences
• strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to navigate competing priorities, challenging conversations, and differing perspectives
• relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related discipline, and/or substantial relevant professional experience.

What You'll Be Doing

• leading and developing a skilled communications team, setting clear priorities, and creating an environment where people can perform at their best
• providing strategic communications, media and reputation advice to Council's Executive and senior leaders
• guiding communications for major projects, organisational priorities, and significant community issues
• leading Council's response to emerging issues and crisis communications, often requiring sound judgement and timely decisions
• overseeing Council's corporate communication channels, campaigns, content, and brand
• working with teams across the organisation to move from reactive communications towards stronger forward planning and coordinated campaigns
• using data, community insights and evaluation to understand what is working and continually improve our communication

Why Join Us?

This is a genuine opportunity to influence how a large and diverse organisation communicates with its community. You will join us at an exciting time as we establish our new Community and Customer Experience Group and continue to strengthen the way Council listens, communicates, engages and connects with our community. We are looking for someone who brings ideas, curiosity, and sound judgement; who is comfortable challenging thinking respectfully; and who wants to lead a team that delivers communication that is meaningful, useful, and trusted.

Remuneration And Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of $123,577 to $138,321 depending on skills and experience

Opportunity for performance-based salary progression

This role also qualifies for a Leaseback or Vehicle allowance

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
• Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
• 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 Lucilla Marshall, Group Manager Communities and Customer Service on [phone].

Applications Close

Tuesday 29 September 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.

Preferred applicants are required to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with Children Check verification.

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of 12 months.