• A varied and challenging role, that provides oversight for a range of functions including overseeing Councils Communication and Marketing, Economic Development and Tourism strategies. 
• Competitive annual salary that will be negotiated based on your experience and skills, plus superannuation.
• Great range of additional benefits, including health and wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and flexible work options.

 About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast, gateway to spectacular Fraser Island. Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Manager Communications, Business and Engagement

Remuneration: Contract position with the total remuneration package to be negotiated with the successful candidate based on skills and experience.

Closing Date: Sunday 9 July 2023 at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted.  Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Role Overview

Gympie Regional Council has an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to lead our team of professionals in our Communicaitons, Business and Engagement Branch. This team consists of Communications and Marketing, Economic Development, Tourism and Major Events.

The successful candidate will work with the Executive Leadership and Senior Leadership Teams and elected officials of Council to implement effective communication, economic development, tourism and advocacy strategies and plans to promote council and its policies and initiatives, while enhancing the economic and tourism performance of the local government area.

The role provides oversight for a range of functions, and as such is responsible and accountable for the leadership management, and balance of both strategic and operational delivery within the ambit of this role. It reports to an Executive Management Team member and must demonstrate behaviours that are in alignment with council values and transparency in the way work is performed and delivered.

This position is responsible for tasks such as:

• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of marketing, communications and advocacy strategies to ensure comprehension and awareness of council’s vision, values and ongoing strategies, projects and policies in a fully integrated way.
• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of an Internal Communications strategy to build awareness of Council initiatives and programs and influence cultural change.
• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of economic development and tourism related strategies.
• Develop and maintain a social media platform and other emerging channels to improve external communications, increase awareness of council’s activities and increase positive sentiment and messaging about the Gympie region.
• Overview all organisational marketing engagements.
• Lead major events coordination and delivery.
• Manage the content and ongoing development of council’s website.
• Cultivate relationships with internal and external clients, media and other relevant external  stakeholders.
• In consultation with the Director Corporate Services, develop and manage the key outcomes of the branch against key agreed deliverables and individual performance agreements.

 Essential Requirements:

To be successful in this position, candidates should have:

• Bachelor degree or higher qualification in communications, economic development, public relations or a related field. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification.
• Demonstrated record in managing multi-disciplinary teams and staff performance.
• Demonstrated high level communication (interpersonal, oral and written) skills with a proven ability to effectively consult, negotiate and resolve conflict in order to influence or enable change while building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive workplace culture, while developing individuals and maximising performance through effective individual and team management.
• Demonstrated record of articulating and driving the implementation of strategies that align with organisational vision and purpose, including the ability to develop and management strategic systems and processes.
• Substantial experience in a communications environment including digital and social media, with high-level presentation skills and the ability to liaise and negotiate with a broad range of people.
• Queensland ‘C’ Class driver’s licence.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact David Lewis, Director Corporate Services on 5481 0469 or email david.lewis@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Sue Rossi, Officer Recruitment on 5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Flexible work hours
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 13 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

 Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply

Keen to apply? Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below, as requested (please use an individualised email address as using another person's may effect your application, if you do not have one please follow this link to create a Gmail account)
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 9th July at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.