Senior Strategic Communications Officer

• $108,719 - $116,979 + up to 5% matched super
• Fulltime Position
• Permanent Opportunity
• Shape strategic messaging and protect organisational reputation
• Ongoing professional development & flexible work options

At the City of Bunbury, we take pride in being a progressive, people-first local government. As a vibrant coastal city, we're committed to building trust with our community through transparent, timely, and effective communication. We're seeking a strategic communicator who can help shape conversations, manage reputational risks, and support informed decision-making across the organisation.

About the Role

As our Senior Strategic Communications Officer, you'll play a key role in protecting and enhancing the City's reputation through strategic communication planning, media engagement, and stakeholder advice. Reporting to the Team Leader Strategic Communications and Engagement, you'll provide expert communications support on complex and sensitive matters, helping the organisation navigate opportunities, challenges, and emerging issues.

You'll develop and deliver strategic communications initiatives, ensuring messaging is proactive, consistent, and aligned with organisational priorities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communications plans that support organisational priorities and manage emerging risks
• Preparing and coordinating media releases, statements, briefing notes, FAQs, community updates, and other strategic communications materials
• Supporting the development of timely and effective responses during incidents and emergencies
• Providing strategic communications advice on reputational risk, community sentiment, media issues, and stakeholder engagement approaches
• Supporting Executive and senior leaders with communications planning, messaging, and issue management advice
• Developing strategic messaging and communication responses for complex or sensitive issues
• Attending key organisational meetings to provide communications advice and identify emerging risks and opportunities
• Reviewing and quality-assuring communication materials to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with City standards and objectives

About You

You're a strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills and sound judgement. You understand how to balance organisational priorities, community expectations, and reputational considerations, and you're comfortable working in fast-paced environments where issues can evolve quickly.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience developing and delivering strategic communications, media relations, or public affairs initiatives
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging messages
• Experience managing sensitive issues, reputational risks, or crisis communications responses
• Experience preparing executive-level content such as briefing notes, talking points, or speech notes
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to provide advice to senior leaders
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess community sentiment and identify emerging risks
• Experience working collaboratively across teams to ensure coordinated and consistent messaging
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

Ready to apply?

Head to our City of Bunbury Careers Website to submit:

• Your resume
• A brief cover letter
• A short statement addressing the essential criteria

Applications close 5PM AWST, 21^st of June 2026

Apply here: https://cityofbunbury.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies/

Note: Applications via SEEK will not be accepted.

We're Committed to Inclusion

The City of Bunbury is an equal opportunity employer and proudly encourages applications from all backgrounds. We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse candidates, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, contact us at info@bunbury.wa.gov.au or call 08 9792 7000.