Are you a dedicated Communications professional looking for a rewarding challenge in a breathtaking location?

Kangaroo Island Council, South Australia, is seeking a passionate and experienced Communications Officer to lead our commitment to excellence within the local community.

If you’re ready to make a significant impact within the community, while enjoying the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island, we want to hear from you. Join a highly motivated team and thrive in this unique and inspiring setting, while enjoying true work-life balance!

Position objectives 

The Communications Officer has a strong focus on delivering exceptional engagement with external stakeholders, principally media, and internal organisational stakeholders, including CEO, Mayor and Elected Members to plan, manage and undertake strategic and operational communications and media activities that advance Council’s business objectives.

The individual who will be successful in this role, will have an unwavering commitment and passion for Kangaroo Island, the greater Fleurieu Coastline and South Australia.

About you:

• Excellent writing skills and demonstrated capacity to research and prepare clearly written material.
• Demonstrated high-level organisation skills, including ability to set work priorities and meet predetermined deadlines.
• Proven ability to interact and effectively communicate with people at all levels with professionalism, diplomacy and discretion.
• Demonstrated experience of undertaking research projects including sound understanding of data gathering methodologies, data analysis and reporting.
• Local Government experience
• Strong numeracy, literacy, verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communication strategies as well as specific plans for Council initiatives and coordinate Council communication activities and the promotion of Kangaroo Island Council.
• Undertake the preparation of communication and media products such as media releases and statements, online and print-based copy, digital photos and video as guided by carefully produced and implemented communications strategies
• Work with the CEO as part of the Civics and Community Engagement Team, to address external media inquiries as required and respond appropriately to those inquiries on behalf of Council as delegated.
• Develop content for Council Matters and internal communications in conjunction with CEO, Directors and other key officers.
• Liaise, communicate and negotiate with key internal stakeholders to develop, manage and implement coordinated and integrated communication and media strategies, to support specific organisational projects and legislated requirements,
• Develop a communications calendar plan across whole of organisation with support from each Directorate in line with the Communication Strategy.
• Actively contribute to the production of communication and media products for the Kangaroo Island Council to support the strategic objectives of the Council Plan.
• Research, analyse and implement opportunities to increase positive community awareness of the role, value and contribution of the Kangaroo Island Council.
• As requested, research, liaise and work with internal and external stakeholders to develop clear and concise communication and undertake any necessary media engagement roles.
• Administer Council’s corporate social media applications and proactively advise and support the organisation to develop effective external and internal digital communication and social media content.
• Monitor media for relevant issues and developments across all media channels.
• Oversee all graphic design, promotion, advertising activities and branding of Council including the ongoing development of appropriate corporate identity for the organisation and the development of an image campaign for Council.
• Assist in the development and design elements of Council’s Annual Report; Annual Business Plan and other strategic documents of Council.

Maintain Council’s Social Media Policy and educate the organisation on social media responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in journalism, communications, media studies, public relations, or a relevant field, OR
• Extensive experience in communications, journalism, speech writing or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience of undertaking research projects including sound understanding of data gathering methodologies, data analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of digital and online communications and their application to Council’s communication objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in grant administration and stakeholder consultation.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of expectations including consultation with stakeholders to ensure best possible fit between Council and community requirements and project outcomes.
• Sound general knowledge local government functions and statutory obligations (desirable).

A sound working knowledge of the Local Government Act 1999.

Our organisation and our values 

The Kangaroo Island Council is dedicated to fostering a thriving community through responsible governance, emphasising RESPECT and INTEGRITY in all our interactions.

Committed to transparent decision-making and sustainable development, we strive to enhance the quality of life for residents while preserving the unique natural and cultural heritage of Kangaroo Island.

By embracing innovation, professionalism, and community engagement, each employee becomes an essential catalyst in achieving our shared vision for Kangaroo Island.

Apply now on Seek to be part of our dedicated team and play a vital role in shaping the future of our community!