This position leads a high-performing team to drive communications, engagement and major events for the Adelaide Hills Council.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, this influential leadership role provides strategic advice to the Executive Leadership Team, Mayor and Elected Members and delivers contemporary engagement, stakeholder management, media and reputation management, and will bring impactful community events to life.

The incumbent will bring strong communication skills, a political awareness, and the ability to strengthen connections between the Council and community. This is an ideal opportunity for a leader with a passion for storytelling, collaboration, and continuous improvement to make a lasting contribution to one of South Australia’s most desirable and unique regions.

About Adelaide Hills Council The Adelaide Hills Council is a magnificent place to live, work and visit. The environmental, residential, primary production and natural qualities of the district are renowned and contribute to the Adelaide Hills being "a special place", and one of Australia's most loved areas. Adelaide Hills Council is committed to building the community through leadership, community involvement and commitment to service.

We offer a diverse and supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, flexible work practices, income protection insurance and a genuine desire for you to enjoy your work.

Manager Communications, Engagement, and Events is a fulltime, 5 year fixed term contract

Key responsibilities:

- Provide strategic leadership and direction for Council’s communications, community engagement and events functions.

- Provide clear, high-quality communication and engagement advice across Council projects, services and initiatives, aligning with legislative requirements and contemporary practices

- Develop and implement strategic communications and marketing initiatives that increase awareness of Council services, support organisational objectives and build community confidence.

- Act as custodian of Council’s reputation and brand, overseeing media relations,



issues management and emerging reputation risks, and providing timely advice, briefings and media coaching to senior leaders, the Mayor and Elected Members.

- Lead Council’s digital communications channels, including websites and social media platforms, ensure content is accessible, accurate, engaging and aligned with organisational priorities.

- Plan, coordinate and evaluate Council-led public events and strategically significant events.

- Lead strategic stakeholder engagement and establish key partnerships with government, industry, community and media stakeholders to strengthen community confidence and trust.

- Lead, coach and develop employees, set clear expectations and support a cooperative, accountable and high-performing team culture.

- Manage budgets, contracts, suppliers and resources within delegated authority, ensuring sound governance, value for money and effective service delivery.

- Monitor and report on communication, engagement and event outcomes, using insights and feedback to support continuous improvement.

- Contribute to organisational risk management and business continuity planning, including communication arrangements for critical incidents and emergencies.

About You To be successful in this role you will have:

- Degree or postgraduate qualification in communications, marketing, public relations or a related discipline.

- Knowledge of contemporary communication, marketing and engagement practices and relevant legislative requirements.

- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communication and community engagement strategies.

- Experience planning and delivering public events and supporting community-led events.

- Provide expert advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Directors, Managers,



Mayor and Elected Members regarding communications, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

- Experience establishing strategic priorities, managing performance and resources, and driving continuous improvement and innovation within a complex function.

- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence across directorates, contributing to organisational priorities, culture, transformation and strategic initiatives.

- Demonstrated personal integrity, accountability and resilience, consistently modelling Council’s values and expected leadership behaviours.

- Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop employee capability and performance, building an inclusive, engaged and high-performing team.

About our Benefits

Experience the benefits of a career in council:

- Flexible working arrangements, such as working from home

- Opportunities for professional development

- Free income protection insurance for personal illnesses or injuries
- A health and wellbeing program offering flu vaccinations, skin checks, health seminars and more

- Free access to three counselling sessions for you or your immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program

- Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave

- Study Assistance

How to Apply

Applications must address the selection criteria in the position description and state the reference number 439. Please visit Employment at Council for a copy of the position description.

Apply by 5:00pm 14 October 2026 via SEEK.

Confidential enquiries are welcome to Gary Lewis, Director Corporate Services on:

(08) 8408 0***.

The advert information can be provided in other formats if requested.

International applicants who do not have an appropriate Australian work visa or residency will not be considered, or receive an acknowledgement email.

Should your application be successful and move to the next stage, you will be contacted by the Hiring Manager. If you do not receive any communication regarding your application within 20 business days of the advertisement close date your application has been unsuccessful.

📌 Manager Communications, Engagement, and Events (Stirling)
🏢 Adelaide Hills Council
📍 Stirling