Senior Communications and Engagement Officer

Spinifex Recruiting; Lismore; On-site; AUD 83,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Lismore City Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio is seeking an experienced Senior Communications & Engagement Officer to lead strategic stakeholder engagement and communications across one of the largest disaster recovery programs in regional Australia.

The role requires hands-on leadership, expert advice to project teams and executives, and the ability to translate technical information into clear messages for varied audiences.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in communications, stakeholder engagement or public affairs, ideally within government, infrastructure, construction or large-scale project environments.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical information.
• Highly developed stakeholder management, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
• Confidence engaging with executive stakeholders, community representatives and project delivery teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Provide specialist advice to senior management, project teams and external consultants.
• Manage community consultation activities, information sessions, workshops and stakeholder forums.
• Develop a range of communication materials including media content, project updates, reports, presentations, digital content and community notifications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, government agencies, industry partners and key stakeholders.
• Support the successful delivery of major flood recovery and infrastructure restoration projects across the region.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communications

Public affairs

Written communication

Project management

Executive engagement

Job description

Senior Communications and Engagement Officer

Senior Communications & Engagement Officer

Flood Restoration Portfolio | Lismore City Council

Hourly rate commensurate with experience

Lismore City Council's Flood Restoration Portfolio is seeking an experienced Senior Communications & Engagement Officer to lead strategic stakeholder engagement and communications across one of the largest disaster recovery programs in regional Australia.

Working closely with senior leaders, project managers, government agencies, contractors and community stakeholders, you will develop and deliver high-impact communication and engagement strategies that keep the community informed, build trust and support the successful delivery of critical flood restoration projects.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a highly skilled communicator who can confidently navigate complex and sometimes sensitive project environments, provide expert advice to project teams and executives, and translate technical information into clear, meaningful messages for a range of audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Provide specialist advice to senior management, project teams and external consultants.
• Manage community consultation activities, information sessions, workshops and stakeholder forums.
• Develop a range of communication materials including media content, project updates, reports, presentations, digital content and community notifications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, government agencies, industry partners and key stakeholders.
• Support the successful delivery of major flood recovery and infrastructure restoration projects across the region.

About You

• Significant experience in communications, stakeholder engagement or public affairs, ideally within government, infrastructure, construction or large-scale project environments.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical information.
• Highly developed stakeholder management, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
• Confidence engaging with executive stakeholders, community representatives and project delivery teams.
• Must be located within the Northern NSW region, fully remote options are not available

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in helping shape the recovery and resilience of the Northern Rivers while delivering meaningful outcomes for the community.