Media and Communications Officer

About the opportunity

Are you on the search for your new career move and have a passion for Media and Communications? 

Council has an exciting full-time opportunity available for a motivated enthusiastic and creative individual to independently develop, manage and implement communication strategies and campaigns to promote Council projects, priorities and services to the community. In this role you will develop and maintain positive relationships with media stakeholders and provide communications and media support to the Mayor, General Manager and key staff on everything communications. 

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

$81,605 - $94,490 per annum plus superannuation.

The Benefits

• Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
• 13% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members 
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Free parking on-site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley! 

About you

You will bring the following skills, experience and qualifications to the role:

• A degree in Communications, Media, Public Relations or other tertiary qualifications relevant to the key responsibilities of the role. 
• Proven experience in a similar communications role, with a strong ability to manage a broad range of communication issues and liaise effectively with media.
• Well-developed analytical, research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically assess information, identify core issues, evaluate their significance to Council, and develop timely, effective solutions.
• A sound understanding of, and hands-on experience with, a variety of communication tools and channels - including print, broadcast and digital news production, social media, advertising, and newspaper/magazine layout.
• Experience in identifying, monitoring and managing sensitive issues, and providing informed advice and recommendations to senior communications leaders.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Electronic Document Management Systems, and graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Strong time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to perform well in high-pressure environments, manage multiple tasks, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with a flair for creative and engaging writing.
• Practical experience and capability in capturing both video and still imagery.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, foster strong working relationships, and operate confidently within a political or public sector environment.

What's Next?

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. 

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre-Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. 

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 9 October 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Mikaela Booth, Senior Media and Communications Officer on 0436 948 454. 

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.