Public Relations and Media Officer

Careers at Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking a Public Relations and Media Officer to support strategic communications, create engaging content, and boost community engagement across channels. You will work with the Public Relations and Media Advisor and Team Leader to enhance the Council's reputation and keep residents informed.

This role focuses on delivering clear messaging, coordinating campaigns, and building trusted relationships with local stakeholders, while contributing to high-quality

Qualifications

• Experience working in communications, media, public relations or a similar environment.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor content for different audiences and platforms.
• Experience creating engaging content across traditional and digital channels.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities with the capacity to manage competing priorities.
• An understanding of media relations, news values and what makes a story newsworthy.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a politically aware environment.
• A solution-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Creating engaging content for a variety of channels, including media releases, speeches, social media, digital communications and marketing campaigns.
• Assisting with media monitoring and identifying opportunities to promote Council initiatives.
• Supporting public relations activities that strengthen community awareness and trust.
• Helping coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication projects.
• Collaborating with teams across Council to develop clear, accurate and audience-focused messaging.
• Contributing to the successful delivery of communication campaigns and organisational priorities.
• Supporting day-to-day operations within a busy and professional communications environment.

Skills

Writing skills

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Media relations

Time management

Storytelling

Collaborative

News values understanding

Education

Degree or Diploma in Communications/Journalisme or related

Job description

Be the voice behind the stories that matter to our community

Are you a talented communicator with a passion for storytelling, media relations, and community engagement? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, we want to hear from you.

We're looking for a Public Relations and Media Officer to join our dynamic Public Relations and Media team. In this role, you'll help bring Council's projects, initiatives and services to life through compelling content, strategic communications and positive community engagement.

Working closely with our Public Relations and Media Advisor and Team Leader, you'll play an important role in enhancing Council's reputation and ensuring our community stays informed, engaged and connected.

What You'll Be Doing

As our Public Relations and Media Officer, you'll support the delivery of strategic communication initiatives across the organisation by:

• Creating engaging content for a variety of channels, including media releases, speeches, social media, digital communications and marketing campaigns.
• Assisting with media monitoring and identifying opportunities to promote Council initiatives.
• Supporting public relations activities that strengthen community awareness and trust.
• Helping coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication projects.
• Collaborating with teams across Council to develop clear, accurate and audience-focused messaging.
• Contributing to the successful delivery of communication campaigns and organisational priorities.
• Supporting day-to-day operations within a busy and professional communications environment.

About You

You're a creative and proactive communications professional who enjoys telling stories, building relationships and making complex information easy to understand.

You'll bring:

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Communications, Journalism or a related discipline.
• Current NSW Driver's Licence.

Skills and Experience

• Experience working in communications, media, public relations or a similar environment.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor content for different audiences and platforms.
• Experience creating engaging content across traditional and digital channels.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities with the capacity to manage competing priorities.
• An understanding of media relations, news values and what makes a story newsworthy.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a politically aware environment.
• A solution-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current issues affecting local government and the Sutherland Shire community.
• Photography and videography skills for digital content creation.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to build your communications career while helping shape how Council connects with the community.

You'll work alongside experienced communications professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and play a key role in sharing the stories, achievements and initiatives that make a difference to our residents.

If you're a creative storyteller, strong writer and relationship builder who is passionate about community-focused communications, we'd love to hear from you.

Step into your next opportunity:

• Get your application in by 11.59pm:Monday 28 September2026
• Interview date:Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of the advert being closed
• Package:$81,866 to $86,777 per annum plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work: Working 35 hours per week. You will have the option of a 19 day month with Council's ADO system (Accrued Day Off).

Successful candidate may be required to undergo criminal history check and a Working with Children Check.

Reach out to Jayme Wilson (Corporate Communications Manager)*******@ssc.nsw.gov.aufor any job specific enquiries.
Alison Wady (Talent Acquisition Business Partner)*****@ssc.nsw.gov.aucan assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.