About Us :Ararat Rural City Council is located 2 hours northwest of Melbourne and is a growing regional centre, a trend which is predicted to continue as more people pursue a tree-change lifestyle with all essential services at their fingertips.
We recognise that our employees are the key to making a difference and delivering our vision for a vibrant and sustainable community.
Council is committed to serving our community in a friendly and professional way and offers fantastic employee conditions including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working options, a health and wellbeing program, professional development opportunities, and much more.
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion, allowing our staff to thrive and grow.
About You :Qualifications & ExperienceTertiary qualifications in creative industries, marketing, communications, or digital media highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience using content management systems, web publishing software and management of corporate websites.
Demonstrated experience in developing applicable content for a variety of media platforms.
Demonstrated experience in working in a fast-paced business environment and providing high levels of responsive service to multiple stakeholders.
Experience in the development of marketing and communications strategies.
Experience in media relations and a track record of securing media coverage desirable.
Experience in graphic design desirable.
Experience working within Local Government would be advantageous.
Current Working with Children and Police Check.
Position Summary :To achieve a strong, positive, and consistent public and internal profile for Ararat Rural City Council through targeted, effective media, public relations and high-quality communication activities including the development of appropriate strategies and corporate documents.
Key Requirements :Accountability & Extent of AuthorityRespond to inquiries in a timely and efficient manner, establishing and maintaining positive relationships with media and key stakeholders.
Accountable for the provision of specialist advice for both internal and external communications.
Promote and maintain a positive, professional image for Council and its activities.
Provide formal input into policies, procedures and standards relating to media and communications.
Judgement & Decision MakingExercise judgement within the framework of policies, established administrative practices and departmental procedures but initiative is required to determine efficient process completion.
Confidential and sensitive information must be vetted by the CEO.
Determine appropriateness of information and images across a range of communications activities and implement changes as required.
Accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of information provided on Council's website and other communications.
Specialist Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated experience in communications and stakeholder engagement.
Understanding and experience developing and managing accessible communication and information relating Council's long-term goals.
Research experience and implementing relevant communications activities that enhance information and service delivery, with an understanding of the political environment in which local government operates.
Comprehensive ability to maintain positive, effective, and productive working relationships with all stakeholder groups.
Management SkillsDemonstrated ability to organise work, manage time, determine priorities, and meet deadlines using initiative and innovation.
Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Self-motivated with the ability to maintain a positive proactive approach to all duties using initiative creativity to complete tasks.
Ability to develop, implement and review processes and systems to improve the operations of the service.
Interpersonal Skills Demonstrated high level verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated experience to work independently and flexibly, as well as cooperatively as part of a team.
Ability to relate professionally and enthusiastically to an extremely diverse public and to staff, Councillors, and community representatives on all levels.
Ability to liaise, influence and advise internal stakeholders at all levels across Council.
Ability to clearly and simply articulate policies, strategies, and actions.
Job Responsibility :Reports to: Media & Communications LeadSupervises/Manages: Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement a marketing and communications strategy.Develop creative and engaging communication initiatives and collateral across a variety of channels, including digital, visual, and print media.Keep Council's website up to date with relevant and engaging information and regularly report on customer engagement with the site using web-based analytics software.Deliver a regular schedule of communication across Council's social media platforms to ensure that Council has an active, targeted, and effective online presence.Monitor social media engagement.Creatively design and produce marketing materials.Develop strong and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Monitor daily media and provide advice on response mechanisms.Research and prepare speech notes.Review and maintain a consistent brand for Council, including the development of style guides and templates.Support internal communications, including developing and preparing internal staff communications.Contribute to the development of communication strategies for major projects and events.Research, write and edit communications material for internal and external distribution ensuring consistent tone and style.Generate proactive media opportunities.Proactively seek media opportunities to positively position Council raising community awareness and understanding of the organisation and its primary issues and activities.Provide media or communication liaison during emergencies, including out of hours if required.Provide high-level quality customer service to internal and external customers.Ensure compliance with Council's Risk Management Policy, Risk Management Framework, and OH&S Policy.To?comply with?all?other?policies and procedures of Council.Any other duties as required within the scope of the?position.Job Functions :LocalJob Benefits :Work-life balance through flexible hours and leave entitlements.Meaningful community impact by contributing to projects and services that directly benefit the public.Career development opportunities, including training, secondments, and clear pathways for progression.Selling Point :Clear, trusted comms that connect community with council goals, services, and decisions.Contact :Paula Davidson