Divisional Communications and Engagement Officer

• Fixed Term Full Time/10 Day Fortnight/40 Hours per week
• Salary: From $107,660 plus Superannuation
• Position Brief - Divisional Communications and Engagement Officer

Position Summary

We are seeking a proactive, organised and community-minded individual to support Councillor Brooke Patterson in building and maintaining strong connections with residents, businesses, community organisations and local stakeholders across Division 6.

Working under the direction of the Councillor, you will assist with community engagement, stakeholder communications, digital content, events and public information initiatives. You will support the Councillor's commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement by helping residents better understand local issues, Council decisions, projects and initiatives affecting their community.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, creating engaging content, coordinating activities and helping people connect with local government. Strong communication skills, initiative and a customer-focused mindset will be important, together with the ability to work across a diverse range of community interests and emerging issues.

About the role

Join a collaborative and community-focused team supporting Councillor Brooke Patterson from the Former Southport Town Hall, 47 Nerang Street, Southport.

Transparency, accountability and meaningful community engagement are central to Councillor Patterson's approach to public office. This role supports the Councillor's efforts to keep residents informed, connected and engaged through effective communication, community engagement and stakeholder outreach activities.

Working closely with residents, community groups, schools, sporting clubs, businesses and local stakeholders, you will help communicate divisional priorities, support local initiatives and strengthen community connections across Division 6.

This role offers variety, autonomy and meaningful interaction with the community, requiring someone who can build relationships, communicate effectively and respond to emerging issues.

About Division 6

Division 6 is represented by Cr Brooke Patterson and includes Southport together with parts of Benowa, Bundall, Chirn Park and Ashmore.

Home to key community, business, education, recreation and health precincts, Division 6 is a vibrant and diverse part of the Gold Coast. The division features a strong network of residents, sporting clubs, community organisations, schools and businesses, providing opportunities to engage with a broad range of community interests and local priorities.

About Cr Brooke Patterson

Cr Brooke Patterson GAICD was elected to Council in 2020 following an international career in financial services and extensive community involvement. A third-generation Southport resident, she is now raising the fourth generation of her family in the local community.

Her priorities include enhancing the Southport CBD, improving community safety and local infrastructure, protecting and enhancing green spaces, and promoting transparency, accountability and strong community engagement.

In addition to her divisional responsibilities, Cr Patterson serves on:

• Governance, Administration and Finance Committee (Chairperson)
• Audit and Risk Committee
• Economy, Tourism and Events Committee
• Water, Waste and Energy Committee
• Mayoral Safer Suburbs Forum
• Australian Local Government Women's Association

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement, Stakeholder Relations and Events

• Assist with community engagement activities, outreach initiatives, forums, meetings, events and stakeholder engagement activities aligned to divisional priorities.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses, schools, sporting clubs, community organisations and local stakeholders.
• Support meaningful two-way communication between the Councillor and the community.
• Gather community feedback and identify emerging local issues, opportunities and trends.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, briefings, events and engagement activities, maintaining accurate stakeholder records and contact networks.

Communications, Community Information and Transparency

• Prepare and coordinate newsletters, social media content, website content, community updates and other communication materials.
• Assist in communicating Council decisions, projects, initiatives, events and divisional priorities in a clear, accurate and accessible manner.
• Develop communication materials that help residents better understand matters affecting their community and the outcomes of Council decision-making.
• Coordinate communications across multiple channels to maximise community awareness, participation and engagement.
• Assist in preparing responses, briefing materials and community information relating to local issues, projects and initiatives.
• Support timely, professional and customer-focused responses to community enquiries.
• Support the Councillor's commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful community engagement through effective communication and public information activities.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in communications, community engagement, marketing, event coordination or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships across a diverse community.
• Well-developed organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities.
• High level of professionalism, initiative and discretion.
• Customer-focused approach and commitment to community service.
• Experience using digital communication and social media platforms.

Highly Desirable

• Experience supporting an elected representative, senior leader, government organisation or community organisation.
• Experience preparing communication materials, newsletters or digital content.
• Experience coordinating community events or engagement activities.
• Understanding of local government and community engagement principles.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV or Diploma in Marketing and Communication, Public Relations, Community Engagement, Event Management or a related field (desirable), or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations 

• Personal and professional development courses

• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport

• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member

• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.

How to apply
To submit your application, please click apply now and complete the application form. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Contact Person Anneliisa Tonisson

Contact Email  [email protected]

Closing Date Thursday 16th July 2026/11:59pm AEDT  

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.