Manager Communications & Engagement

Public Sector People; Emerald; On-site; AUD 225,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Highlands Regional Council in Emerald, QLD is seeking a Manager Communications & Engagement to lead a newly formed senior function reporting to the CEO. The role offers an executive package and broad influence across the organisation.

You will shape how the Council communicates its vision, engages communities and builds relationships with stakeholders, guiding a unified approach across channels and programs.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and community relations.
• Ability to develop and deliver communication and engagement strategies.
• Strong media relations, issues management and reputation experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Communications and Community Engagement functions.
• Develop and implement innovative communication and engagement strategies.
• Advise CEO, Mayor and executives on communications and community matters.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Community relations

Media relations

Job description

Manager Communications & Engagement Central Highlands Regional Council | Emerald, QLD | Senior Leadership | Executive Package ($225K–$257K TRP)

Public Sector People are proud to partner with Central Highlands Regional Council to appoint an experienced and forward-thinking Manager Communications & Engagement to a newly created senior leadership position.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact, leading how Council communicates its vision, engages with its communities and builds meaningful relationships with stakeholders across the Central Highlands region.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will have the opportunity to bring together Council's Communications and Community Engagement functions, establishing a unified approach that strengthens trust, improves collaboration and ensures the community's voice is reflected in Council's decisions.

For an experienced communications and engagement leader looking for greater influence, autonomy and the opportunity to shape a function, this position offers the platform to make a lasting difference.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Providing strategic leadership across Council's Communications and Community Engagement functions
• Developing and implementing innovative communication and engagement strategies aligned with Council's priorities
• Acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Mayor and executive leadership on communications, media and community matters
• Leading meaningful community consultation and strengthening relationships with residents, businesses and stakeholders
• Overseeing corporate communications, media relations, reputation management and emerging issues
• Driving improvements in digital communications, internal engagement and information sharing
• Supporting Council's Community Reference Groups and ensuring consultation outcomes are communicated and actioned
• Building a high-performing, collaborative team with a strong focus on accountability, capability development and continuous improvement

This is a highly visible leadership position where your ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, exercise sound judgement and communicate with clarity will be essential.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished communications and engagement leader who combines strategic thinking with a practical, collaborative and hands‑on leadership style.

You will be a well‑rounded communications professional who understands how media, strategic communications, community engagement, digital channels and internal communications work together to deliver positive organisational outcomes.

Importantly, you will bring the confidence, credibility and political awareness required to advise senior executives and elected members while building genuine trust across the organisation and community.

You Will Bring

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience across strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and community relations
• Proven success in developing and delivering communication and engagement strategies
• Strong media relations, issues management and organisational reputation experience
• The ability to lead, develop and unite teams through organisational change
• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and relationship management skills
• Experience advising executive leadership and managing sensitive or complex stakeholder matters
• Sound political awareness and the ability to operate effectively within a government or similarly complex environment
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to challenge, influence and drive improvement
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or significant comparable professional experience

Experience within local or state government will be highly regarded, although applications from accomplished leaders in other complex, community-facing organisations are welcomed.

Above all, we are looking for someone who can bring people together, establish a clear strategic direction and translate ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Why Join Central Highlands Regional Council?

This is more than an opportunity to lead an established function. It is a chance to influence how a regional council connects with its people and communicates its future.

This Opportunity Offers

• Attractive executive remuneration package of $225K–$257K TRP
• A newly created senior leadership role with genuine scope to shape the function
• Direct reporting access to the Chief Executive Officer
• The opportunity to lead and develop an established team of approximately eight
• Significant influence over Council's future communications and engagement strategy
• Regular engagement with the Mayor, elected members and executive leadership
• The opportunity to build stronger relationships and trust across diverse regional communities
• A meaningful leadership role where your contribution will have a visible and lasting impact

Located in Emerald, Queensland, Central Highlands Regional Council serves a diverse and economically significant region, offering the opportunity to contribute to the future of its communities while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of regional Queensland.

If you're looking for a leadership opportunity where you can genuinely influence direction, build capability and leave a lasting legacy, we would welcome a conversation.

Be part of something that matters, with like-minded people who truly care.

One Place. Many Paths. Choose Yours Here.

Applications close: Tuesday 1st December

Applications will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted throughout the campaign. Council reserves the right to close the process early if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.