Community Engagement Specialist

This role offers a unique opportunity to spearhead impactful initiatives, collaborating closely with project teams to deliver exceptional service and contribute to transformative projects that shape our city's future.

• Excellent work/life balance working 35-hour week with flexible working conditions
• Contribute to the community and Council's strategic and operational targets
• Temporary 12-month maternity leave contract

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

Our Communications and Corporate Strategy team here at Lake Mac is looking for a passionate Community Engagement Specialist who can use creative and innovative methods to connect with our diverse community.

This role will work closely with project teams across Council, delivering high-quality customer service and contributing to significant, city-shaping projects.

Reporting to the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, you will:

• Ensure Community Engagement activities achieve the city’s vision and objectives
• Deliver Community Engagement strategies to coach and support project teams to make informed decisions prior to, during and at the conclusion of Community Engagement
• Develop relevant Community Engagement strategies to assist Council to effectively deliver projects in line with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) methodology
• Ensure a broad range of digital and face-to-face engagement tools and approaches are used to enable accessible community participation
• Assist project teams with project budgets when developing Community Engagement strategies.

Read the position statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

Our ideal candidate is passionate about customer service and delivering engagement projects to the community. You will thrive when thinking on your feet and finding the best solutions to support our community’s needs. You will have a collaborative approach and enjoy building relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will value being part of a close-knit energetic team, be adaptable and enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where your input is valued and every workday brings a new exciting challenge.

Specifically, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications, or equivalent experience and qualifications, in a relevant discipline relating to Community Engagement, social science, or public relations and communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with all levels of management, including the elected officials and community members.
• Experience in complex Community Engagement, collaboration and application of the IAP2 methodology.
• Experience in working in a politically sensitive environment.
• Experience in working with project budgets when developing Community Engagement strategies, working to fixed budgets, and advising project teams the budget required to undertake appropriate Community Engagement.
• Experience using web-based Community Engagement tools; particularly Engagement HQ software, Social Pinpoint and other innovative resources to deliver effective Community Engagement.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

• Competitive salary from $88,475 to $102,823 per year plus 12% superannuation
• Temporary 12-month Maternity Leave Contract
• 35-hour week with flexible working hours, hybrid working model, and nine-day fortnight
• Be mentored and work closely with the Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead in a supportive, empowering, innovative and collaborative work environment
• We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous discounted gym memberships through our Corporate Fitness program, connect with colleagues through our social club, be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance (EAP) program
• Free parking within walking distance of our new contemporary office building
• At Lake Macquarie City Council, we value our staff and the hard work they do. In return we offer a range of benefits click here to view more benefits on offer

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

• Applications close midnight, Thursday 11 April 2024
• Interviews will be held, Thursday 18 April 2024
• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Amelia Parrott, Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead on 02 4921 0291 or via email aparrott@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• If you need assistance with submitting your application, please Blair Stevenson, Talent Acquisition Advisor, 4069 0083 or via email bstevenson@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.
• We are a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.
• To view the capability Framework – Role Profile relevant to this role, please click here.
• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.
• Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment.