Civic Communications Officer

The Role

Cities run on decisions.
But communities run on understanding those decisions.
That’s where this role comes in.Because every week in Burwood, something significant is happening.A new public space opens.A major project moves forward.A community issue gains attention.A journalist calls for comment.A milestone moment arrives.And the question becomes:

Who explains what it means?

The Civic Communications Officer works at the centre of that moment.
You’ll work closely with the Mayor, General Manager and Executive team to translate the city’s priorities into clear, compelling communication.You’ll help position the Mayor as a trusted voice of the community.You’ll identify the stories that matter, and make sure they reach the people they affect.Some days that means drafting speeches or preparing media statements.Other days it means capturing a moment on video, responding to an emerging issue, or shaping the message behind a major announcement.

This role sits where civic leadership, media and community intersect.

It requires judgement.Curiosity.Creativity.And the ability to move quickly when the moment calls for it.If you like being close to where decisions meet the public, you’ll find this role interesting.

Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Strategic Mayoral Communications
• Community-Focused Storytelling
• Media & Public Profile
• Civic Digital Presence
• Event & Milestone Amplification
• Strategic Content & Speechwriting
• Visual Content Creation

More information can be found contained in the position description below.

To be successful in this role we’ll need you to confidently check these boxes:

• Tertiary qualification in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Policy or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in media, communications, public affairs or a comparable strategic communications role.
• Proven experience providing communications advice to senior executives, elected officials or high-profile leaders.
• Demonstrated experience managing media relations, including drafting media releases, statements and preparing spokespersons for interviews.
• Strong experience developing and delivering proactive communications strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality written materials including speeches, opinion pieces and public statements.
• High level of political awareness, discretion and ability to operate within a sensitive governance environment.
• Strong digital and social media capability, including content planning and publishing.
• Ability to capture quality photography and produce and edit short-form video content using accessible digital equipment and contemporary editing tools for online and social media platforms.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including influencing and negotiation abilities, research and analysis, and concise report writing.
• Ability to work outside standard office hours when required.
• A current Class C Driver’s Licence.

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and/or Skills

• Ability to speak a language other than English.

Culture & Benefits:

• Great work/life balance with flexible working hours and access to flexi time
• Fantastic team culture and supportive environment
• Lots of variety as Burwood continues to grow and develop with exciting changes in the pipeline
• Participate in a range of Health and Well-Being initiatives, including access to flu vaccinations, Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Enquiries:

For further information about this role, please contact Miriam Wassef, Director People & Performance on (02) 9911 9911. If you need assistance with your application, any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact Lauren Allcott, People & Culture Advisor on 02 9911 9***.

How to apply:

Please click on “Apply for this position” and follow the steps.

Applications are to include a CV and a cover letter outlining the skills they can bring to the role and how they would plan to take on the responsibilities of the position.

Closing date:

Friday 10 April 2026 at 11.59pm