Looking for a communications role with real influence — and a better lifestyle
What if your next role allowed you:
* Advise senior leaders and elected officials,
* Shape the public narrative of an entire region,
* Lead high-profile communications and engagement projects...
...while living amongst vineyards, national parks, autumn foliage and country charm?
Welcome to the Southern Downs — Queensland's only true four-season destination and one of the state's most liveable regional communities.
And your lifestyle improves too.
The Opportunity
Southern Downs Regional Council is seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Communications & Engagement Officer to lead Council's communications, media and engagement function.
Reporting directly to the Director Strategy, Growth & Stakeholder Engagement, you'll play a critical role supporting the CEO, Mayor and Councillors through:
* Strategic communications and reputation management
* Media relations and issues management
* Crisis and emergency communications
* Community engagement and consultation programs
* Digital communications and social media strategy
* High-profile projects and regional advocacy campaigns
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership role where no two days are the same.
One day you could be leading communications around major infrastructure projects or water security advocacy. The next, you could be shaping community engagement for transformative regional initiatives or managing media strategy during significant events.
Why Southern Downs?
Because life is about more than work.
The Southern Downs offers:
* Award-winning wineries and cellar doors
* Stunning autumn colours and four distinct seasons
* Cosy winters, wood fires and country hospitality
* A thriving events calendar and vibrant communities
* National parks, waterfalls and outdoor adventures
* Affordable housing and genuine work-life balance
Forget peak-hour traffic and overcrowded cities.
Here, you can finish work and be relaxing at a winery, walking through granite country, or enjoying a long lunch by a fireplace within minutes.
Why Join Council?
At Southern Downs Regional Council, you'll join a progressive and collaborative organisation that values innovation, leadership and community connection.
* 9-day fortnight
* Strong executive exposure and influence
* Professional development and leadership opportunities
* A diverse and meaningful portfolio
* A role where your advice genuinely shapes outcomes
This is communications with purpose — where your work directly impacts communities, businesses and the future of the region.
Who We're Looking For
You're a confident and experienced communications professional who:
* Thrives in fast-paced and high-profile environments
* Brings strong media and stakeholder management capability
* Can think strategically while delivering operationally
* Is calm under pressure and politically astute
* Knows how to craft compelling stories and clear messaging
* Enjoys mentoring and leading people
Experience in government, infrastructure, regional development or complex stakeholder environments will be highly regarded.
This Is More Than a Communications Role
It's an opportunity to:
* Lead communications for a dynamic and growing region
* Work closely with senior leadership and elected representatives
* Build a meaningful long-term career
* And enjoy a lifestyle many people spend their holidays chasing
Make the move to the Southern Downs — where your career can thrive, and your life can too.
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