Your new career
Playing a key role in connecting Council with our community, you’ll lead the delivery of targeted and meaningful engagement activities that help shape Council decision-making.

You’ll work closely with project teams to plan, deliver and evaluate community engagement, providing strategic advice that aligns with our Community Engagement Policy. Beyond individual projects, you’ll help embed best practice engagement across the organisation by supporting staff with guidance, training, and practical resources. 

Come join our friendly Communications and Community Engagement team, where we’re all about connecting with our community and making sure every voice counts.

What you will bring to the role
We’re looking for someone who genuinely loves connecting with people and thrives on building relationships. You’ll be collaborative, curious, and confident in guiding others to create engagement that’s inclusive, authentic, and impactful.

To thrive in this role, you will have: 

• experience designing, delivering and evaluating community engagement activities.
• confidence providing advice and mentoring staff in best practice engagement.
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex ideas.
• a passion for creating inclusive, transparent, and meaningful community connections.

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Relevant professional/tertiary qualifications (e.g. social science, community development) and/or equivalent experience (qualification check conducted). 
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic engagement strategies in a community or government organisation.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience in online engagement platforms.
• Strong skill in survey design and writing. 
• This role will require occasional work outside regular office hours and the ability to facilitate community-based engagement sessions. 
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). 
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Why you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here. 

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Mark Macgugan, Coordinator Communications and Community Engagement on 5261 0600.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the key selection criteria 
• copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the key selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 23 November 2025. 

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.