Communications and Engagement Officer

Share Hepburn Shire's story and help shape how our community engages with Council.

Are you a skilled communicator who's passionate about connecting with the community, media and stakeholders in a meaningful way?

Hepburn Shire Council is looking for a Communications and Engagement Officer to join our CEO Unit. In this varied role, you'll deliver high-quality internal and external communications, champion best-practice community engagement, and support Council's strategic objectives.

Working closely with the CEO, Mayor, Councillors and Executive Leadership Team, you'll help Council communicate clearly and build a strong public profile.

Position Details

• Permanent full-time
• Band 6 from $87,616 per annum
• Base location: Daylesford
• Reports to the Chief Executive Officer

About Us

Hepburn Shire Council is a small rural council located 90 kilometres from Melbourne, serving the communities of Daylesford, Creswick, Clunes and Trentham. Join a supportive organisation where you can grow your career while making a genuine difference.

How you'll make a difference

You'll support our community and organisation by:

• Implementing the Communications Business Plan and Communications and Social Media Policy.
• Partnering with teams to deliver communication plans and campaigns.
• Preparing speeches, correspondence and briefings for the Mayor, Councillors and CEO.
• Preparing media releases and responding to media enquiries.
• Managing Council's website, intranet and key publications.
• Providing community engagement advice and supporting teams to deliver engagement plans.
• Monitoring compliance with Council's Community Engagement Policy and supporting continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with Council's brand and style guidelines.

About you

You'll bring experience in communications, media and community engagement, ideally within government or a similar organisation.

You'll also have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing communication and engagement strategies within competing timeframes.
• A professional, thoughtful approach to community engagement.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and website content management systems.
• The ability to be a team player and build strong relationships across the organisation.

Essential requirements

• National Criminal History Check
• Current Driver Licence

Desirable

• IAP2 Certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, engagement or a related discipline

What Hepburn can offer you

Join a supportive organisation in the heart of Hepburn Shire.

When you join Council, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful work that makes a genuine difference
• A supportive and collaborative team
• Four weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading
• The option to purchase additional leave
• Access to Learn@Hepburn for professional development
• Free confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program
• An inclusive workplace where everyone is welcomed, respected and supported

Want to know more?

For questions about the role, contact:

Maria Abate
Communications Officer
04•• ••• 385

For recruitment enquiries, contact the People & Culture team at ••••@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

Applications close: Tuesday 18 August 2026

 

Inclusion

Hepburn Shire Council is committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, genders and identities.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Police, reference and Working with Children Checks (where required) form part of our recruitment process.

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