POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Details
Position Title: Media and Communications Officer
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
To lead the delivery of Council's communications and media activities by creating engaging, accurate and
timely content that promotes Council services, projects and achievements, strengthens community
engagement, and supports strategic priorities through effective digital, media and stakeholder
communications.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Media and Communications
* Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Council's
Communications Strategy, ensuring clear, consistent and engaging messaging that supports
Council priorities, strengthens community trust and enhances organisational reputation.
* Create compelling, accessible and creative content across a range of platforms, including media
releases, newsletters, social media, website content, advertising and promotional materials.
* Manage and grow Council's digital presence, ensuring content is timely, visually engaging,
inclusive and responsive to community needs and expectations.
* Capture, edit and produce high-quality photography and videography that tells Council's story,
showcases community life, and promotes services, programs, events and achievements.
* Coordinate media responses, public statements and issues management, and support crisis and
emergency communications when required.
* Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication activities, using insights to
continuously improve reach, engagement and impact.
Community-Focused Collaboration
* Work closely with the Community Services & Wellbeing team and internal departments to
identify opportunities to promote programs, services, projects and initiatives that support
community wellbeing and social outcomes.
* Translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging and community-friendly
communications.
* Support Council-wide initiatives by ensuring communications are aligned, coordinated and
reflective of Council values and priorities.
Grant Identification & Management
* Proactively identify grant and funding opportunities from government and other funding bodies
that align with Council's strategic and community priorities.
* Prepare high-quality, evidence-based grant applications that clearly articulate community need,
project outcomes and value for money.
* Coordinate the collection of supporting information and collaborate with relevant internal teams
to ensure accurate and timely submissions.
* Maintain a comprehensive grants register, tracking applications, deadlines, reporting obligations
and outcomes.
* Prepare and submit grant acquittals and progress reports in accordance with funding
requirements, ensuring compliance and accountability.
* Support Council to maximise external funding opportunities that enhance service delivery,
infrastructure and community wellbeing.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
* Build and maintain strong, positive working relationships with funding agencies, community
organisations, media outlets and internal stakeholders.
* Provide advice and practical support to internal teams on communications and grant-related
matters.
* Represent Council at meetings, forums, events and networking opportunities as required,
promoting Council initiatives and strengthening partnerships.
General Responsibilities
* Deliver work to a high standard within agreed timeframes, demonstrating strong time
management and organisational skills.
* Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with Council policies, procedures, legislative
requirements and the Code of Conduct.
* Provide courteous, professional and ethical customer service to internal and external
stakeholders.
* Contribute positively to a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team environment,
including participation in team meetings and professional development activities.
* Actively promote Council values and contribute to a positive organisational culture.
* Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in work practices, systems
and processes.
* Keep the Director of Community Services & Wellbeing informed of key activities, emerging issues
and potential risks to Council operations or community relationships.
* Undertake other duties within the scope of the position and level of competency, as directed.
Organisational Continuous Improvement & Quality Management
* Willingness and ability to adapt to challenge and opportunities:
o changing workforce capabilities through multiskilling, succession planning, knowledge
management
o 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,
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:
o prepared to work flexible hours to meet the requirements of the position;
o 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;
o medically fit and physically capable to meet requirements of the position;
o Prepared, if required, to undertake a medical assessment by Council's medical practitioner;
and
o 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 and Councillors
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
* Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g. Media and Communications, Journalism, Community
Development, Business or similar) and/or equivalent relevant experience.
* Demonstrated experience in communications and digital engagement, including content
development across media, social and online platforms.
* Experience preparing and managing grant applications, including coordination, reporting and
acquittals (or the demonstrated ability to acquire this capability).
* Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective
relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Proven organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing
priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
* Understanding of, or capacity to quickly develop knowledge of, Local Government policies,
legislative requirements and ethical standards relevant to the role.
* Current unrestricted C Class driver's licence, with the ability to travel as required.
* Demonstrated commitment to safe, ethical and inclusive work practices, in line with Council's
Code of Conduct and Workplace Health and Safety requirements.
Desirable
* Photography and/or videography skills, including editing and producing visual content for digital
platforms.
Authorisation
Position Approved By: Barbra Smith, Director of Community Services & Wellbeing