Cessnock City Council

Principal Community Engagement Officer

About the Opportunity

Do you have a passion for building strong community connections and leading local initiatives?

We are seeking a Principal Community Engagement Officer to hit the ground running where you'll lead and and implement Council's community engagement framework, crafting and implementing engagement plans that bring people together and drive positive change. This is a role you can truly make your own, having the opportunity to shape the approach and outcomes of community engagement. You will draw on your background in stakeholder engagement and your personable approach to connect with and listen to residents, landholders, businesses, and contractors, addressing the diverse needs of the community. 

As the Principal Community Engagement Officer you will partner closely with our Executive, Management and Project teams to support engagement across diverse projects during the conception, design and implementation phases. The role also provides leadership to the Community Engagement Officer, offering mentorship and guidance to foster their growth while overseeing performance and ensuring high quality outcomes.  

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

$110,997 - $127,647 per annum plus superannuation

The Benefits

• Full-time 35 hours per week 
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
• 12% superannuation 
• Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff
• Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members 
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Free parking on-site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley! 

About You

To be considered for this role, you’ll need a degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, Communications, or Public Relations, along with extensive experience in a similar position. It is important that you have a proven ability to plan and deliver successful community engagement outcomes and effectively connect with a diverse range of community members.

What's Next?

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. 

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre-Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. 

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 27 March 2025 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Name, Jon Childs, Community and Engagement Manager on  0409 733 731 

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.