2025_Shire of Carnarvon - Media & Communications Officer

Carnarvon, Western Australia, Australia

Media & Communications Officer

The Media and Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Shire’s communications are professional, consistent, and engaging. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Shire’s digital presence, including social media, website, and newsletters, with a strong focus on brand compliance and community connection. The role supports the development and delivery of targeted marketing and communication campaigns, assists with media material and event coverage, and helps maintain open and positive channels of communication with internal and external stakeholders. 

Key role outcomes:

• Demonstrate successful application through the application of the Shire's core values by promoting a work culture of sustainability, quality improvement, efficiency, and excellent customer service that corresponds to our Code of Conduct and Customer Service Charter.  
• A commitment to a safe work environment and WHS legislation, policy, and processes.
• Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act (WA) 1995 and any relevant legislation.
• Liaise with staff, media outlets, government and private sector organisations and various stakeholders regarding the editorial content, photographic material, publication and production requirements. 
  
• In liaison with the Media & Arts Engagement Officer, plan, design and coordinate the production of communication material including publications, social media and multimedia materials, ensuring consistency with policy and style and guidelines. 
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure the Shire's brand and identity and reflected in all engagement activities, marketing material and communications undertaken by the Shire. 
• Keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in communication platforms in a constantly evolving environment, recommending and implement marketing tools and technology to meet changing needs. 
• Assisting in coordinating and attend public relations activities as required, including events and functions which may be held out of normal working hours. 
• Capture media content such as photos and videos and live streams to be used across a broad range of channels. 
• Provide advice, support and direction to staff on the content for internet and social media to ensure the appropriate style and language.
• Development and distribution of the Shire’s monthly newsletter, including the collection of news items and content contributions from internal departments.

Work, Health & Safety Responsibilities

• To take reasonable care for their own safety and health and to avoid harming the safety and health of other people through any act or omission at Shire workplaces. And as relevant: 
  
• Proactively comply with all Shire WHS Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines, Practice, duties and other relevant conditions. As well as with the WA WHS Act 2020, WHS (General) Regulations 2022, all other relevant Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards. implemented and are being followed by employees. 
  
• As far as reasonably possible comply with instructions given by their employer or an authorised person in the interests of safety and health and in accordance with the WHS Act.   
  
• Must report to their manager, supervisor, WHS Representative, PC&S and/or other relevant contact person work related injuries, near misses and any hazards at the workplace that they cannot correct themselves. 
  
• Must use, store and maintain personal protective equipment as properly instructed, and not damage or misuse any equipment or facilities provided in the interests of safety and health.
  
• Participate in and where possible provide leadership for a continuous improvement culture of safety where best practice initiatives are entrenched in daily business activities. 
  

Essential Criteria:

• Highly developed ability to uphold a values-based approach in the workplace. 
• Highly effective communication skills (written and verbal) including ability to prepare initial reports, letters, emails and assist with applications. 
• Experience in developing and implementing communications and engagement plans and activities, particularly with a community focus.
• Well-developed time management and organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise competing tasks. 
• Comprehensive computer and administrative skills with the capacity to adapt to new technologies and software, as well as the ability to assist in upskilling others. 
  
• A proven ability to concisely and clearly deliver a broad range of communication materials including print, online and face-to-face to effectively meet Shire objectives. 
• Flexibility to work rostered hours according to operational requirements, including some weekend work.
  

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous experience in a public relations/communications/engagement role. 
• Tertiary qualifications in Communications or Marketing, or equivalent industry experience. 
• Experience in responding to community queries and complaints in a timely and professional manner. 
• Demonstrated skills in photography, including capturing, editing, and curating images for digital and print media.

Licenses, Registrations, Memberships or Qualifications required of the role:

• Current Western Australia Driver's License.
• Working with Children's Check.

Pre-employment screening required for this role: 

• National Police Clearance - Less than 6 months old
• Pre-employment Medical Screening
• Alcohol and Other Drug screening

Remuneration and Benefits:

The successful applicant will join the Office of the CEO with a starting salary from $75,095.41 per annum, plus allowances (if eligible) and superannuation. 

Other cash benefits include but not limited to: 

• $1,160.49 p/a District Allowance*
• $4,437.18 p/a Housing Allowance*
• $1,263.62 p/a Annual Leave Loading 17.5%
• $9,279.70 p/a Superannuation (Statutory)
• $1,613.86 p/a Superannuation additional 2% (Optional, subject to employee salary sacrifice)*
• $3,500.00 Retention bonus upon completion of 3 years of service*
• $440.00 p/a Annual Leave Travel Assistance 
• Salary Continuance Insurance

Leave entitlements* 

• 5 weeks Annual leave
• 2 Local Government Public Holidays
• 10 days of paid Personal Leave
• 10 days of paid Pandemic Leave
• 38 hours of paid Volunteer Emergency Services Leave

Additional Allowances and Subsidies as per Attraction and Retention Policy*

• Salary Sacrificing for a range of benefits
• Local Club Membership Subsidies
• Gym Membership Subsidy
• Annual Pass for Aquatic Centre

*Subject to Corporate Policy

It is not the intention of the position description to limit the scope or accountabilities of the position but to highlight the most important aspects of the position. The aspects mentioned above may be altered in accordance with the changing requirements of the role. A copy of the position description can be obtained by following this link: Media & Communications Officer

For further information about the role please telephone People, Culture & Wellbeing Services on (08) 9941 0000 or email hr@carnarvon.wa.gov.au

To apply for the position, please submit your application by following the prompts below and clicking on "Submit Application". Please ensure you provide an up-to-date Resume and a Cover Letter that addresses the Essential and Desirable Criteria. 

Applications close 4pm on 11 June 2025