Located 20km west of Sydney on Dharug country, with a population of over 250,000 residents, Cumberland City Council is the fourth most populous Local Government Area in Greater Sydney. Cumberland boasts one of the most diverse communities in Australia, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living alongside one another.

Our people are focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community we represent. Council has worked hard to fulfil its community’s vision for Cumberland as a place where anyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Manager Strategic Communications is responsible for managing a high performing internal and external communications team with a primary focus on delivering high quality communications and media outputs for Council.

Our Corporate Performance directorate is looking for an experienced leader to develop a team of professionals and to manage and deliver Council's media and communications strategies, projects and programs across print, digital, video and social media channels. The primary focus of this role is to ensure that we communicate with our community in a meaningful way, so an understanding of our community, our services, and how we want to position our brand as a service provider is critical. This role presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to really influence how Council effectively promotes our services and the value we bring to our community.

While the role operates strategically, it is extremely “hands on” and requires a robust community focus, drive, specialist skills and ability to manage multiple priorities of high importance to Council.

The successful applicant will require:

- Tertiary qualifications in media and communications or a related field
- Significant high-level experience in driving the strategic direction and management of large-scale communications and media programs
- Knowledge of political and legislative processes at various levels of government and a high degree of political acumen and ability to navigate this landscape to achieve effective outcomes
- Significant experience at a management level including business planning, performance management, financial and budget management
- Proven record of achievement in establishing and implementing innovative communications and media strategies.
- Demonstrated project management experience,



including experience overseeing complex communications and media projects and sound knowledge in planning, implementation and evaluation
- Expertise in digital communications and strategic social media management
- Proven ability in leading a muti-disciplinary team, and motivating and coaching staff to create a culture of high performance and strong customer focus
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills, including high level knowledge and experience in cross cultural communication methods and attention to detail
- Demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills
- Class C drivers licence
- NSW Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain)
- Willingness to work outside of core business hours on weekends, as required.

Download the position description here for more information.

About this role:

- Permanent full time position
- 70 hours per fortnight
- This role is predominantly located at Council's Merrylands and Auburn offices, with frequent travel required across Council worksites, and may be required to work across any of Council’s work locations.

Salary information: The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the NSW Local Government (State) Award.

- Grade 17 of the Cumberland Salary Structure with a salary range of $3,511.57 to $4,038.30 per week, plus 12% superannuation
- The commencing salary will be negotiated, taking into consideration the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and experience related to the role
- A leaseback vehicle

What you'll need to have for this role:

- The right to live and work in Australia
- Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position, including attending a physical pre-employment medical examination as required
- Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council’s Health Monitoring Procedure, as required.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

- We promote work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or up to an additional five (5) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements




- Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
- Leave entitlements including annual leave, 10 days personal leave and up to five (5) days of MyLeave per year, parental leave entitlements and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
- Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
- Corporate Health Insurance discounts
- Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
- Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
- Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
- Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

ABOUT US

Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and fully supports the aims and objectives of NSW Child Protection Legislation, and associated provisions. Council will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment, which endeavours to promote child protection practices. It is essential for applicants to submit their WWCC number with their application, if required, and it is an offence under NSW legislation for barred workers to apply for or otherwise attempt to obtain, undertake or remain in child-related employment.

Cumberland City Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflective of the community it represents. Council welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, and is committed to providing an accessible and safe workplace for our staff through making reasonable adjustments. If you have any accessibility or support requirements throughout the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager during the application process.

ENQUIRIES

Contact Tony Chahine, Acting Director Corporate Performance on 8757 9701 or [email protected] for further information.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Tuesday 20 October 2026

HOW TO APPLY To submit your application for this position, please complete the questionnaire. You'll be asked to attach your resume and any relevant qualifications (if required) to complete your application. Make sure you have these attachments ready before you apply as your application cannot be submitted until completed.

📌 Manager Strategic Communications (Merrylands)
🏢 Cumberland Council
📍 Merrylands