Position Description
Position Title:
Classification:
Position No:
Incumbent:
Directorate:
Department:
Section:
Date:
Prepared by:
Publications Officer
Band 6
7302501
About Council:
Banyule City Council is an award winning organisation priding
itself on a customer-focused culture of innovation, best
practice and continuous improvement. We uphold an enviable
reputation for customer service and work diligently to maintain
high quality services to provide the best possible opportunities
and outcomes for the community we serve.
Overview:
The purpose of the Communications Unit is to support Council
in achieving its strategic goals by providing effective
communication with stakeholders and promoting opportunities
for community engagement.
Corporate Services
Organisational Performance
Communications
21 October 2013
Corporate Communications Coordinator
The Unit is responsible for managing the direction, innovation,
quality and content of Council’s public relations, marketing,
communications and promotional activities including
publications, media liaison, advertising, civic events and
internet in line with Council’s communications strategies,
policies and procedures.
The Unit is also responsible for developing and delivering an
internal communications strategy to improve communications
within and between service areas, develops relationships
between staff and management, and encourages knowledge
sharing across the organisation.
Position Objective:
To exercise initiative and provide practical and skilful support
and assistance to the organisation in writing and production
managing a range of publications.
Our Values:
In placing the customer first, the following values guide how
we work together as teams and as individuals.
RESPECT each other - We act in ways which support each
person’s dignity and worth
Have clear PURPOSE - We work with consistency, direction
and clarity, even in a changing environment.
Take OWNERSHIP - We act with integrity, being honest,
responsible and accountable for our actions.
Seek OPPORTUNITY - We innovate and take initiative, open
to experiencing new things and celebrating our achievements.
INVOLVE others - We engage and include others, seeking to
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understand one another and communicate well.
Key Responsibility Areas:
1. Publications

Write, edit and production manage Council’s bimonthly
external newsletter, The Banyule Banner, including
developing a comprehensive 12-month editorial program
in consultation with the Communications Co-ordinator and
senior management.

Write, edit and production manage Councillor Ward
Newsletters, which are distributed to residents three times
per annum.

Promote Council within the local government sector by
identifying industry awards and, in conjunction with
business units, prepare award submissions.

Develop articles and edit the staff newsletter, Birdseye
View.

Initiate an on-going program to assist business units with
their publication requirements, for example brochures,
leaflets and advertisements, and ensure conformity to
corporate branding standards.

Assist in developing and producing corporate documents
such as the City Plan, Budget Report, Annual Business
Plan and Annual Report.

Liaise with designers, photographers, printers, distribution
companies and other suppliers to ensure high quality
outcomes.

Other communication duties as required.
2. Speech Writing

Speech writing for Mayor, Councillors, CEO and senior
staff for civic events and functions.
3. Electronic Communications

Ability to write and edit material for Council’s website and
intranet.
4. Corporate Identity

Ensure that Council's corporate identity is reflected in all
publications, products and promotional activities to
maintain and strengthen Council’s brand.

Produce corporate documents, newsletters, and marketing
collateral (as required) including using publishing tools and
graphic design packages.
5. Corporate:
 Assist with implementing Council’s External
Communications Strategy and Internal Communications
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Strategy and Annual Business Plan.
Flexibility
Relationships:
Our Enterprise Agreement encourages workforce flexibility
and acknowledges:

That change in the workplace is ongoing and a degree of
flexibility needs to be inherent in order to operate
efficiently and respond to customer needs.

Commitment to improving the skills and competencies of
staff by offering opportunities wherever practicable to
transfer or rotate throughout Council and providing training
as necessary to fulfil the position.
Position Reports to:
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Internal Liaisons:
Councillors, CEO/Directors, Business Unit Managers, other
members of the Communications Unit and other staff as
applicable.
External Liaisons:
Residents, community groups, businesses and industry
associations.
Accountability and Extent of
Authority:
Judgment and Decision
Making:
Specialist Knowledge and
Skill

Use professional judgement on defined processes and
procedures.

This position may involve improving and/or developing
methods and techniques from previous experience.
Guidance and advice is usually available.

Demonstrated commitment to our values.

Considers and responds appropriately to the needs of
people.

Works cooperatively and collaboratively with team
members and across the organisation.

Looks for better ways of delivering services to internal
customers and the community.

Reflects on work performance with a view to selfimprovement.

Sets, reviews and achieves work goals and plans.
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
 Outstanding writing skills – must be demonstrable.
 Sound knowledge of the local government sector and its
functions, and of the Local Government Act.
 Analytical and investigative skills.
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 Design and layout skills, using Adobe Creative Suite, is
preferred.
 Demonstrated publication management experience.
Management Skills
 Sound time management and planning skills.
 Ability to meet tight deadlines.
 Ability to set priorities and achieve goals and targets.
 Effective communications skills and the ability to achieve
commitment from others.
 Purchasing and management of consultants and service
providers.
Interpersonal skills:
 Ability to work in a team environment.
 Ability to assess situations and events and identify
opportunities for improvement.
 Ability to gain co-operation from stakeholders and business
units across the organisation.
Qualifications and
experience:
 A recognised qualification in journalism, public relations or
marketing communications.
 Several years’ experience delivering successful
communication outcomes including publications and
speech writing.
 Current Victorian driver’s licence.
Key Selection Criteria
(Candidates please address this section in your covering letter)
 A recognised qualification in journalism or a public relations/communications discipline.
 Significant experience in writing for newsletters, brochures, reports and speeches.
 Ability to write for the web.
 Ability to work cooperatively within a small team and across the organisation.
 Ability to assess situations and events and identify opportunities for improvement.
Environmental and
Sustainability
Requirements:

Adhere to Council’s Environment Policy and Environment
Strategy

Adhere to Council’s Sustainability Code of Practice and
Environmental Purchasing Guidelines
OH&S and Other Risk
Requirements:

Ensure a safe and healthy environment by fulfilling the
responsibilities and requirements of Council’s health and
safety system and health and wellbeing program.

Exercise reasonable care to prevent injury to him/herself
and others whom may be affected by his/her duties and
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actions.
Banyule Management
System:

Exercise due care for Council property for which this
position is responsible or issued.

Conduct all work according to the requirements of the
Banyule Management System, incorporating the Banyule
Management Manual and Service Unit specific Quality
and Cost Standards and procedures.

The Banyule Management System incorporates Council’s
Quality, Environmental and OH&S Management Systems.
Council promotes diversity and equal opportunity in employment.
If you have a disability or require assistance or adjustment to participate fully
in the recruitment process, please contact a member of the Workforce
Development team on 9490 4249.
SIGNED:___________________________________________________
DATE:_____________________________________________________
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