Help shape conversations that matter and build an active, connected community.
An opportunity for an experienced Community Engagement Officer to join our team to deliver a diverse range of engagement projects that connect people with Council’s work.
Using your skills and experience, you will develop, design and implement engagement programs, surveys and online engagement activities. You will also analyse community feedback and prepare high‑quality analytical and interpretive reports that inform decision‑making and improve outcomes.
You will build strong, positive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and develop effective communication and engagement strategies that promote Council’s projects, priorities and services. You will also identify emerging and critical issues and work closely with the Communications team to develop and implement proactive issues‑management strategies that support accurate and timely information sharing with the community.
The Communications team are passionate, energetic and highly collaborative, with a positive and proactive culture.
About You:
You are a strong advocate for meaningful community engagement and a strategic thinker who enjoys working collaboratively. You bring significant experience in the design and delivery of impactful engagement campaigns and programs, communicate confidently with diverse audiences and thrive as a proactive, solutions‑focused team player.
About us:
Shellharbour City, located in the Illawarra region, is just 80 minutes south of Sydney and is home to over 82,000 people in a city that spans 154 square kilometres. It's an area of great natural beauty - stretching west from the picturesque coastline to rolling pastures, set against the majestic backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment.
Our dedication to be financially sustainable in an evolving environment, while striving for a great organisational culture and committing to employing staff who embrace our core values, has made Shellharbour City Council an employer of choice.
We have been recognised with numerous state and national awards in recent times, including eight wins for our First Nations Community the Yirran Muru (many pathways) playspace, as well as being presented as winners in the NSW Landscape Architecture Awards, Regional Achievement Awards, and Parks and Leisure Australia Regional Awards of Excellence.
We offer:
Shellharbour City Council offers a high performing and sustainable organisation to deliver outcomes for the community through leadership, collaboration and innovation. We have exciting, rewarding career opportunities and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance.
- Permanent full time, 35 hours per week with access to flexi-time and hybrid working; some evening and weekend work may be required
- Commencing salary range from $80,011 - $84,908 per annum, plus opportunity to progress annually
- Plus 12% superannuation
- Great culture with a strong, values led and progressive team
- Enjoy our employee benefits programs and access to Novated lease options and significant retail discounts and corporate fitness programs, Bi-Annual Bonus Payments, weekly payrun, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more
- Access to local government and employee benefits such as; Annual Award Increases, LSL after five years, three weeks sick leave per annum, Health and wellbeing leave and more.
Please Note: This position requires a current "Working with Children Check" clearance in accordance with the 'Child Protection (WWC) Act 2012 for Paid workers to be verified prior to commencement.
For further information about the position, click here for the position description.
Contact: Jessica Smith, Team Leader Communications on 0467 250 884.
Closing date: Sunday, 17 May 2026 at 11:30pm.
Apply now...
Complete the application below by answering the questions, describing how your skills and experience are relevant to the position.
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For further information about the selection process including tips on how to address the selection criteria, please view our Guide to Applying.
Shellharbour City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the unique strengths and talents of all people. Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.
At Shellharbour City Council we promote respect at work as a fundamental right for all and strive to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment extends to the promotion of the rights of all children and young people to be safe from harm when interacting with our services and spaces. Our values, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Sustainability underpin all we do.
Your decision to apply for a role at Shellharbour City Council is the first step in acknowledging your alignment to our values and aspirations to create a great workplace.