AddressCouncil is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced individual to fill the above position.
This position is responsible for:
- co-ordinating the Council’s Communications Strategy and implementing the key actions to ensure Council is informing all its stakeholders in a timely and effective manner
- assisting management with a Public Relations Strategy to cultivate a positive image for Council
The position is full time (flexible arrangements may be approved on application) and is classified as Grade 15 in Council’s salary structure with a commencing salary of $1373.88 per week, plus superannuation and allowances as per the Local Government State Award.
Applications close 3 April 2024
Position Title
Communications Officer
Doc ID
13064
Grade
15
Status f/t, p/t, casual
Full Time
Hours of Duty/days worked
Standard hours - Monday – Friday, 8.15am to 4.30pm (37.5 hours) which will accrue an RDO after 19 days (flexible work arrangements may be approved on application)
UV Rating
Low
Directorate
Executive Services
Supervisor
General Manager
Date Compiled
October 2016
Date Modified
June 2021*March 2024
Corporate Values - 'ECLAIRS'
- Ethical
- Caring
- Loyalty
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Respect
- Safety
Purpose of Position
This section should contain an encompassing statement of the major focus of the position. It should not define/list tasks, or responsibilities.
This position is responsible for:
- co-ordinating the Council’s Communications Strategy and implementing the key actions to ensure Council is informing all its stakeholders in a timely, effective manner;
- assisting management with a Public Relations Strategy to cultivate a positive image for Council
Key Result Area’s for the PositionThe key result areas (KRA’s) are the major outputs for which the position is responsible and are not a comprehensive statement of the position activities. Ideally, each KRA should cover a separate area of the work function. Most positions should be adequately covered by 5-8 KRAs. No position should require more than 8 – maximum. The KRA’s are each broadly defined explaining the essential functions of the position. In addition each KRA may also be accompanied by detailed lists of tasks of how work is to be carried out.
Key Responsibility Areas
Key Result Area: Media Liaison
Task
Standard - to what qualitative or behavioural standard should the task be performed at:
1
Liaise with Media
In a proactive way that is timely and will foster a positive relationship with all media outlets
2
Write media releases
Have a regular program of media releases on the full range of Council issues and work with all sections of Council to identify opportunities.
Timely media releases for emerging issues.
Key Result Area: Issues Management
Task
Standard - to what qualitative or behavioural standard should the task be performed at:
1
Advise senior management on communication strategies for issues management including during a crisis or emergency
Identify risks and opportunities and develop a Communications Plan for each emergency and crisis
Help craft key messages
Monitor the Communications Plan and adjust as required
Provide advice to senior management
Liaise with other agencies media liaison officers
2
Attend ELT and SMT meetings
Attend monthly meetings to help identify media opportunities
Provide media/community engagement statisticsKey Result Area: Online Presence
Task
Standard - to what qualitative or behavioural standard should the task be performed at:
1
Oversee Council’s social media sites – strategy and operational
Identify social media channels
Establish appropriate social media channels for Council
Establish the protocols for their use by staff
Monitor its usage and recommend changes
Update content in accordance with the protocols
Escalate any contentious content issues to senior management
2
Oversee Council’s web sites – strategy and content ensuring it is kept up to date
Work with IT to upgrade the website as required to ensure it is compliant with legislation and up to date with technology
Establish and monitor the protocols for the content to ensure it is kept up to date
Write content as requiredTask
Standard - to what qualitative or behavioural standard should the task be performed at:
1
Write and publish the community newsletter
Write and publish the community newsletter in plain English and in accordance with the planned publication schedule and the approved budget
Ensure the publication provides relevant content for information purposes and for public relations purposes
2
Produce the weekly employee communique and Councillor Newsletter
Produce the internal communique in plain English through proactive liaison with employee to ensure robust and timely contribution
Meet the weekly timeline
Ensure the newsletter provides relevant content for information purposes and for internal public relations and staff morale purposes3
Research and prepare Mayoral and General Manager speeches
Liaise with the General Manager and Mayor as to direction and content
Speeches written in Plain English
Ensure research is accurate
According to the predetermined timeline4
Assist management and the Mayor to be ready for media interviews
Conduct mock interviews, especially for sensitive issues
Educate employees on key messaging, sound bites etc5
Graphic Design
Assist with creation of departmental design documents eg. posters, social media tiles and documents
Key Result Area: Consult with management and employees
Task
Standard - to what qualitative or behavioural standard should the task be performed at:
1
Implement a Communications Plan framework/ template that Project Managers can use for projects
Compile the framework/template using a consultative approach
Promulgate the framework/template to all employees
2
Co-ordinate Council’s Style Guide and Communications Templates
Compile the guide and templates using a consultative approach
Promulgate the guide to all employees3
Liaise with Council’s Tourism and Economic Development Coordinator, Community Development Manager, Community Support Manager and other relevant managers who each oversee targeted social media sites and web content
Educate the whole organisation on appropriate protocols for Council’s online presence
4
Liaise with Council’s Governance and Engagement Manager regarding community engagement strategies and links to communications plans
Educate the organisation on appropriate protocols and approaches for linking communications plans with community engagement strategies
Enterprise Risk and Work Health and Safety responsibilities of workers/employees
Task
Standard
1
Comply with safe working procedures
Comply with the WHS Act section 28, Duty of workers;
(a) Take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety; and
(b) Take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons; and
(c) Comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that is given by the person conducting the business or undertaking to allow the person to comply with this act; and
(d) Co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the person conducting the business or undertaking relating to health or safety at the workplace that has been notified to workers.
Follow safe work procedures established by Council
2
Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems
Where PPE is required to control exposure to hazards in the workplace, wear and maintain the PPE as directed, as indicated in a risk assessment, or as required in WHS procedures, or as in the safe work method statements.
3
Assist with the preparation of risk assessments and safe work method statements
Before commencing work or job where there is an identified risk, conduct a risk assessment to identify, assess and control the hazards associated with the work or job. This must be conducted in conjunction with other relevant staff, and the supervisor;
Assist in the annual review of safe work method statements.
4
Report WH&S
Report workplace hazards to the supervisor or manager and Enterprise Risk and Safety Officer (ERSO) as soon as possible after they occur or are identified; and
Report injury or illness arising from workplace activities using the Incident /Injury/ Near miss report form as soon as possible after incident.
5
Enterprise Risk and WHS Training
Attend all required Enterprise Risk and WHS training
Qualifications:
Essential: Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Journalism, Writing, Public Relations or related field
Essential: Class C Driver Licence
Experience / Knowledge / Attributes:
1.
Demonstrated ability to write clear, plain English and to research and craft human interest stories through creative writing
2.
Skilled in preparing media releases and building positive relationships with the media
3.
Experience in preparing community based publications
4.
Experience in establishing, sustaining and monitoring social media sites
5.
Experience in online/digital content creation and publishing
6.
Proven ability to work within tight timelines and to effectively prioritise
7.
Proven ability to work in a team environment including effectively managing conflict
8.
Ability to provide expertise and recommendations to management on communication plans and issues management strategies
9.
High level word processing and computer literacy skills and ability to learn new online technologies
10.
Create design documents using online platforms and Adobe Create Software, Canva and other relevant programs
