Are you a strategic communications leader who thrives in complex environments and enjoys developing high-performing teams?

At Port Macquarie Hastings Council, communication is key to how our community connects with, understands, and trusts Council. We are seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead our corporate communications function and drive a contemporary, customer-focused approach across the organisation.

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership across communications, media, reputation management, campaigns, digital channels, content, and brand. Working closely with Executive leaders and teams across Council, you will ensure communications are clear, consistent, accessible, and responsive to community needs.

You will also lead and develop a talented team, fostering a positive, accountable culture and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.

If you're a collaborative leader who can provide trusted advice, navigate complexity, and turn strategy into meaningful communication, we'd love to hear from you.

About You

You will be an experienced communications professional and
people leader who combines strategic thinking with a practical approach to
delivery.

You will bring:

- demonstrated experience
leading and developing a communications team, including building
capability, managing performance, and creating a positive and accountable
team culture
- significant experience
in strategic and corporate communications, media, public relations,
reputation management and contemporary communication channels
- strong judgement and the
ability to provide clear, trusted advice to senior leaders, particularly
on complex, sensitive or high-profile matters
- demonstrated experience
managing communications during emerging issues, crises, or periods of
significant organisational or community change
- highly developed
written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability
to communicate complex issues clearly for different audiences
- strong stakeholder
management skills and the confidence to navigate competing priorities,
challenging conversations, and differing perspectives
- relevant tertiary
qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing
or a related discipline, and/or substantial relevant professional
experience.

What You'll Be Doing

No two days will necessarily look the same. You may be:

- leading and developing a
skilled communications team, setting clear priorities, and creating an
setting where people can perform at their best
- providing strategic
communications,



media and reputation advice to Council's Executive and
senior leaders
- guiding communications
for major projects, organisational priorities, and significant community
issues
- leading Council's
response to emerging issues and crisis communications, often requiring
sound judgement and timely decisions
- overseeing Council's
corporate communication channels, campaigns, content, and brand
- working with teams
across the organisation to move from reactive communications towards
stronger forward planning and coordinated campaigns
- using data, community
insights and evaluation to understand what is working and continually
improve our communication

Why Join Us?

This is a genuine opportunity to influence how a large and
diverse organisation communicates with its community.

You will join us at an exciting time as we establish our new
Community and Customer Experience Group and continue to strengthen the way
Council listens, communicates, engages and connects with our community.

We are looking for someone who brings ideas, curiosity, and
sound judgement; who is comfortable challenging thinking respectfully; and who
wants to lead a team that delivers communication that is meaningful, useful,
and trusted.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per
week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of $123,577 to $138,321 depending on skills and experience

Opportunity for performance-based salary progression

This role
also qualifies for a Leaseback or Vehicle allowance

- Flexible
work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
- Discounted gym membership through
membership to Fitness Passport
- Candidates relocating to the region have access to TheWelcome Experience
- Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
- Annual salary increase as per the
Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
- Long service leave after 5 years
- Generous employee assistance program
- Salary packaging options available
through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
- Recognition through our annual awards
ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region





The region is one of Australia's most enviable
locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,
national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,
theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for
hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and
wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this
opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Lucilla Marshall, Group Manager Communities and Customer Service on (02) 6581 8***.

Applications Close: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.We're here to support you every step of the way.

Notes

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of
12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to complete
pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal
Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with
Children Check verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is
primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct
before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.
Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application
received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more
information, delay notifications, testing/assessments
(aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes
(unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure
our email address ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au and Pulse email ********@pulsesoftware.comis set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the
principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and
protection of all children and young people.

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📌 Manager Communications (Port Macquarie)
🏢 Careers at Council
📍 Port Macquarie