Senior Strategic Project Communications and Engagement Advisor

• Temporary Full-Time (to June 2027)
• Band 8 ( $124,881 - $139,089) + 12% super + monthly ADO
• Footscray, Melbourne

About Us

Maribyrnong City Council is undergoing significant change arising from population growth and redevelopment. A transitioning economy is leading to an influx of new residents, businesses, and employment opportunities that is seeing Maribyrnong fast becoming a sought after residential, recreation and social destination in Melbourne's inner-west.

The Opportunity

• Are you an accomplished project communications and engagement professional with experience across communications, engagement, issues management and advocacy?
• Do you excel at crafting strategic, impactful messaging for diverse and complex stakeholder groups?
• Do you thrive working on projects that will deliver social, cultural and economic benefits to the community?

Maribyrnong City Council is seeking a dynamic, motivated Senior Strategic Project Communications and Engagement Advisor to help shape the future of Footscray through the Creative West project - a once-in-a-generation initiative that will be a catalyst for revitalisation and growth.

Creative West is a precinct planning initiative to reimagine Footscray Library, create a state of the art performing arts venue and deliver activated open space that inspire connection and creativity. This transformative project seeks to, empower vulnerable residents and strengthen the sustainability of local creative industries and inject new energy into the heart of Footscray.

And the timing couldn't be more exciting. With landmark developments like the West Gate Tunnel, Melbourne Metro, and the new Footscray Hospital reshaping the area, Footscray is fast becoming one of Melbourne's most vibrant destinations. Creative West strives to amplify this momentum, attracting private investment and creating a cultural hub that benefits generations to come.

Based in the Customer Engagement Department, the role will work closely with the Creative West project team and provide proactive communications and engagement leadership for Creative West and interdependent initiatives. This is your chance to be part of a project that will leave a lasting legacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive and integrated communications and engagement plan ensuring alignment with key strategies and plans.
• Work closely with the project team to shape project narratives and key messages, identify opportunities and risks, and provide expert communications advice throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide high-quality briefing notes, talking points, speeches, and presentations to equip elected members and executives to effectively advocate on behalf of the organisation.

About You

You're a strong writer and exceptional storyteller, skilled at creating compelling narratives that explain the why, not just the what. You're a big picture thinker who can translate strategy into messaging that resonates with diverse stakeholders and audiences. Collaborative, creative and proactive, you thrive in dynamic environments and bring clarity and confidence to complex projects.

You will have the following:

• Extensive experience in communications, stakeholder and community engagement and supporting advocacy strategies
• Proven experience developing and delivering integrated communications strategies for complex or high-profile projects, ideally within local government or the public sector.
• Proven ability to work within multi-disciplinary project teams and foster collaboration across functions.
• Proficiency managing competing priorities, and delivering to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Why Choose Maribyrnong?

• Work cross functionally in a friendly, supportive and professional multidisciplinary team;
• Enjoy a flexible work environment;
• Work in a meaningful role within a Values driven organisation;
• Relish a vibrant foodie hub at your doorstep;
• Take an Accrued Day Off every month

So, if you are looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference and you enjoy working in a diverse community focused environment, Apply Now!

How to Apply

To apply for this job go to: https://maribyrnong.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6838832.

To express your interest in this role, please forward your resume and a cover letter, outlining your relevant experience and addressing the Key Selection Criteria defined in the position description, in support of your application.

Enquiries: For further queries, please contact Rebecca Solomon, Manager Customer Engagement on 9688 0488 or 0423 554 868, for a confidential discussion.

Closing Date: Friday 19 December 2025 - 10pm

Maribyrnong City Council (Council) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and to operating in a manner that complies with its obligations under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Council promotes an organisational culture that embeds within it child safe practices and expects its staff to perform their roles and engage with the community in a manner that is consistent with its child safe practices. To guide expected standards of child safe behaviours of all staff, Council has a Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

As part of the appointment process, Council may undertake appropriate child safety pre-screening checks of candidates in accordance with Council Child Safety policies and procedures where appropriate. This may include asking child safety-related questions during interview, conducting relevant checks of the candidate's prior contact with children in employment and/or requiring proof of a valid Working With Children Check prior to commencement.

Council welcomes applications from all interested candidates including from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. Council's recruitment process will be reasonably adapted to ensure all candidates have equitable access to Council's recruitment process and job opportunities.