Manager Communications & Engagement

Manager Communications & Engagement
Central Highlands Regional Council | Emerald, QLD | Senior Leadership | Executive Package ($225-257K TRP)
  
Public Sector People are proud to partner with Central Highlands Regional Council to recruit a newly created Manager Communications & Engagement – an influential leadership role that will shape how Council communicates, engages and builds relationships with its communities.
  
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position brings together the Communications and Community Engagement functions under one dedicated leader for the first time.
  
This is an opportunity to create a more connected and consistent approach across Council, strengthening community relationships while ensuring its priorities, achievements and services are communicated clearly and effectively.
  
The Role
  
You will lead an established team of approximately eight across Communications and Community Engagement, providing the direction and structure required to successfully bring the two functions together.
  
An early priority will be helping shape Council’s new Communications Strategy while improving how community consultation is planned, captured and followed through – ensuring Council effectively closes the loop with its communities.
  
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Council’s strategic communications and community engagement functions
• Developing and implementing communication and engagement strategies
• Providing strategic advice to the CEO, Mayor and senior leadership
• Leading community consultation and strengthening stakeholder relationships
• Supporting Council’s Community Reference Groups and ensuring feedback is effectively actioned
• Leading corporate communications, media relations and reputation management
• Overseeing digital and internal communications
• Developing the team and creating clear expectations, accountability and continuous improvement.

  
This is a highly visible position with regular interaction with the CEO, Mayor and elected members, making political awareness, sound judgement and strong relationship management critical to success.
  
About You

Council is looking for a strong communications and engagement generalist rather than a specialist in one particular discipline – someone who understands how strategic communications, media, engagement, internal communications and digital work together.
  
You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience across communications, community and stakeholder engagement
• Strong strategic communications, media and reputation management capability
• Experience developing and implementing communication and engagement strategies
• Proven people leadership and the ability to bring teams together through change
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• The confidence and judgement to work effectively with senior executives and elected members
• Strong political awareness and experience within government or another complex stakeholder environment
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or significant comparable leadership experience.

Experience within local or state government will be highly regarded, particularly given the political and community-facing nature of the position.
  
Why Join Central Highlands Regional Council?
  
This opportunity offers:

• A newly created position with the opportunity to shape the function from the outset
• Direct reporting access to the Chief Executive Officer
• Leadership of an established Communications and Community Engagement team
• Genuine influence over Council’s future communications and engagement strategy
• Significant exposure to the Mayor, elected members, senior leadership and community
• The opportunity to improve how Council engages with its communities and tells its story.

This is an opportunity to do more than manage an existing communications function. You will have the mandate to bring two areas together, establish the strategy and reshape how Council communicates and engages with the Central Highlands community.
  
Be part of something that matters, with like-minded people who truly care.
  
One Place. Many Paths. Choose Yours Here.
  
Apply Now
  
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter via the ‘Apply Now’ button or contact:
  
Adrian Holder
Lead Search & Select Consultant
Public Sector People
E: adrian@publicsectorpeople.com.au
  
Applications close: 5pm Friday 18 September 2026.