Award Classification: Level 5-6
Employment Conditions
Queensland Local Government Industry (Stream A) Award – State
2017
Department / Branch: Community Services & Wellbeing / Communication and Grants
Principal Location: Shire Office, Hughenden
Reports to: Director of Community Services & Wellbeing (or as directed)
Direct Reports: 0
Flinders Shire
Our Vision: Flinders Shire – a place of discovery, opportunity and lifestyle
Our Mission: To promote quality of life through leadership, attitude and respect
Our Values:
* A Caring Philosophy
* Pursuit of Excellence
* Teamwork
* Local Ownership
* Communication
* Leadership
* Recognition
Council Structure
Position Objective
The Media and Communications Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of
Council's communication strategy, as well as the coordination and preparation of grant funding
applications. The role requires strong written communication skills and the ability to build effective
relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure Council secures appropriate funding
and maintains a strong, consistent public and media presence.
As a representative of Council, demonstrated professionalism and a commitment to a high level of service
and continuous improvement in the best interest of Council and the Community are essential.
Office of the Chief Executive Officer
* Investment, Attraction & Economic Development
* Executive Support
* Human Resources
Corporate & Financial
Services
* Financial Control
* Information &
Communication Technology
* Business & Customer Services
* Governance & Regulatory
Services
Engineering
* Open Spaces & Community
Assets
* Asset Management
* Project Management
* Roads & Infrastructure
Community Services &
Wellbeing
* Community Development &
Engagement
* Tourism
* Community Care
* Regional Marketing &
Promotion
* Media / Communications
Key Responsibilities
Media and Communications:
* Develop, implement, and maintain Council's Communication Strategy to ensure
consistent and effective messaging across all platforms.
* Draft, edit and coordinate content for media releases, newsletters, social media, website
updates, advertisements, and other communication materials.
* Manage Council's online presence, including social media platforms and website,
ensuring timely, engaging, and visually appealing content.
* Capture, edit and produce high-quality photography and videography content to support
Council initiatives, events, programs, and promotional activities.
* Coordinate media responses, public statements, and assist in crisis communications as
required.
* Work collaboratively with internal departments to identify and promote Council
initiatives, services, and achievements.
* Maintain digital content libraries, including photo and video archives, for future use.
Grant Management
* Identify relevant grant opportunities from government and other funding bodies aligned
with Council priorities.
* Prepare high-quality grant applications, ensuring alignment with funding guidelines and
strategic goals.
* Coordinate the collection of supporting documentation and liaise with relevant
departments for application inputs.
* Maintain a grants register and track application progress, deadlines, reporting
requirements, and outcomes.
* Prepare and submit acquittals and progress reports in accordance with grant conditions.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with funding agencies, community
groups, media outlets, and internal stakeholders.
* Provide support and advice to internal departments on grant funding and
communications-related matters.
* Represent Council at relevant meetings, forums, and networking events as required.
General
* Consistently complete allocated tasks to a high standard and within agreed timeframes.
* Undertake other duties within the scope of the position and up to and including the
employee's level of competency, as directed by the Chief Executive Officer or delegate.
* Actively promote and uphold the values and positive culture of the organisation across all
areas of work.
* Actively participate in identifying, recommending, developing, and implementing
improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of tasks and responsibilities.
* Ensure general administration and records management requirements are met in line
with Council policies and procedures.
* Provide courteous and professional customer service to internal and external customers,
conducting all transactions in an ethical and efficient manner.
* Contribute positively to a supportive, team-based work environment and participate in
team meetings and training sessions as required.
* Ensure that requests and enquiries are actioned and reported upon in accordance with
Council policy and service standards.
* Keep the Director of Community Services & Wellbeing appropriately and adequately
informed of the current state of activities relevant to the role, and flag in advance any
issues likely to impact Council operations or relationships with ratepayers and/or the
public.
* Maintain a personal time management system to ensure deadlines are met and to allow
adequate notice and coordination with other staff, ensuring efficient planning and
collaboration.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities and funding
submissions, identifying areas for improvement.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and Council's Code
of Conduct.
Organisational Continuous Improvement & Quality Management
* Willingness and ability to adapt to challenge and opportunities:
* changing workforce capabilities through multiskilling, succession planning, knowledge
management
* changing technologies and operational procedures by expanding your knowledge of future
trends and required competencies
* Willingness and ability to set the example and live the values
* Willingness and ability to advocate a positive and constructive organisational culture
* Willingness to accept responsibility for your own actions and decisions, and to be held accountable
for such
* Willingness and ability to integrate the competing demands of work, home, community and self
Corporate Responsibilities
All employees are bound by the Queensland Local Government Act 2009 to act with integrity, and in a way
that shows proper concern for the public interest. All employees are responsible for acting in accordance
with the Flinders Shire Council Code of Conduct and other relevant policies, procedures and protocols as
may be applicable to the role.
Workplace Health & Safety
All workers have a duty to familiarise themselves with and comply with statutory and Flinders Shire Council
Work Health and Safety (WH&S) requirements, including the WH&S Management System, and WH&S
Policies, Procedures and work instructions.
In Fulfilling This Duty, Workers Are To
* Take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety.
* Take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety
of other persons.
* Comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that is given by the
person in control of the business or undertaking (PCBU) to allow the person to comply with the Work
Health and Safety Act 2011 (e.g. wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as instructed).
* Cooperate with any reasonable Policy or Procedure of the PCBU relating to health or safety at the
workplace that has been notified to workers (e.g. reporting of incidents).
* Participate in the consultation and communication processes as prescribed in the Consultation,
Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice 2021.
Other Requirements
* This position operates from Council's Administration Office in Hughenden, however, may be
required to travel within the Local Government Area and work outside of standard business hours
to meet the requirements of the role.
* Travel (including outside of normal hours) to attend training may be required
* The incumbent must be:
* prepared to work flexible hours to meet the requirements of the position;
* willing to obtain a 'Suitability Card' to enable the incumbent to work with or supervise people
less than eighteen (18) years of age if required;
* medically fit and physically capable to meet requirements of the position;
* Prepared, if required, to undertake a medical assessment by Council's medical practitioner;
and
* Prepared, if required, for Council to undertake a Criminal History Check
Organisational Relationships and Delegations
Internal: Community Services & Wellbeing Team, other portfolios across Council and senior leaders
including Chief Executive Officer
External: Community groups, contractors, suppliers, government departments, general public and other
Local Government regions
Delegations: The Media and Communications Officer works under limited direction, has the skills to
manage time and organisational priorities. This position has delegated decision making and purchasing
authority in accordance with Council's Delegation Register and Procurement Policy.
Selection Criteria
Essential
* Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (e.g. Media and Communications, Journalism, Community
Development, or Business) and/or equivalent relevant experience.
* Demonstrated experience in writing grant applications and managing grant processes, ideally within
a Local Government or similar environment.
* Sound knowledge of current communication and media relations practices, with the ability to apply
these effectively in a Local Government context.
* Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with proven experience in
building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet
deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
* High-level computer literacy, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and demonstrated
experience with social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram).
* Sound understanding or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the legislative and policy
framework relevant to Local Government operations, particularly in relation to finance,
procurement, and community engagement.
* Current unrestricted C Class driver's licence, with the ability to travel throughout the Flinders Shire
and to other locations as required.
* Demonstrated commitment to Council's Code of Conduct, Workplace Health and Safety standards,
and Anti-Discrimination policies.
Desirable
* Photography and/or videography skills and experience, including editing and content creation for
digital platforms
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