Communications Officer - Bushfire Recovery

Full Time Band 6, 2-year fixed term Contract
Work in a supportive, team environment
Based in Alexandra or hybrid arrangements are available.

Make a significant difference in our community

Join a team dedicated to supporting Murrindindi Shire’s ongoing bushfire recovery efforts. In this role, you will help ensure our community receives clear, timely and accessible information that supports recovery, resilience and connection during a period of ongoing change.

About this opportunity

The Communications Officer – Bushfire Recovery is responsible for coordinating and delivering day‑to‑day bushfire recovery communications under the direction of the Senior Communications Officer – Bushfire Recovery.

Working in a dynamic and fast‑paced recovery environment, you will play a key role in developing content, coordinating communication channels, and supporting community‑facing information delivery. You’ll collaborate closely with the Bushfire Recovery Team, Communications Unit and external partners to ensure recovery messages are accurate, consistent and aligned with approved strategies and plans.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate and deliver recovery communications in line with approved strategies and messaging frameworks.
• Prepare and publish content across Council channels including website, social media, newsletters, print and radio.
• Support communications for community meetings, information sessions, pop‑ups and recovery events.
• Develop written, visual and digital materials that support recovery programs, funding announcements, clean‑up updates and community information.
• Maintain and update recovery information on the Council website and other digital platforms.
• Assist in producing newsletters, flyers, templates and other collateral using approved design tools.
• Provide appropriate recognition of funding bodies and partner agencies.
• Support day‑to‑day media enquiries related to bushfire recovery and draft media releases, talking points and briefing materials for review.
• Monitor media, community sentiment and emerging issues, escalating as required.
• Collaborate with Community Recovery Officers and other staff to ensure consistent messaging.
• Contribute to internal updates and briefings to enhance shared situational awareness.
• Monitor the performance of recovery communications and identify opportunities for improvement.

What you will bring

• Tertiary qualifications or demonstrated experience in communications, media or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible messaging.
• Experience supporting communications in emergency response, recovery or community‑facing environments (desirable).
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience using digital platforms, CMS, social media and design tools relevant to the role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic, community‑focused approach.

What we offer

Murrindindi Shire is situated on Melbourne's peri-urban fringe and encompasses the charming rural townships of Alexandra, Eildon, Kinglake, Marysville and Yea. The Shire benefits from great natural beauty and tourist attractions such as Lake Eildon, picturesque national parks, the Great Victorian Rail Trail and access to Victoria's snowfields. We are located within proximity to Melbourne, a lovely 60 to 90 minute drive from Melbourne, depending on your route.

We offer a supportive and flexible work environment within a supportive team along with ongoing professional development and a range of employee benefits designed to promote a positive work/life balance.

How to apply

For more information about the role or a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Cullen – Manager Customer Experience on (03) 5772 0333.

We request your application contains a cover letter, your resume, and addresses the key selection criteria set out in the Position Description.

You can submit your application and any accompanying attachments:

• online – you will receive an email notification confirming your submission
• by email to [email protected]
• or post them to Murrindindi Shire Council, PO Box 138, Alexandra 3714.

Applications close at 11.45 pm, on Sunday 8 March 2026

Conditions of employment are in accordance with the Murrindindi Shire Council’s Enterprise Agreement.  It is also a condition of employment that the successful applicant:

• Provides evidence of eligibility to work in Australia
• Undertakes a Police Check and, where applicable to the role (refer Position Description), provides a current Working with Children Check