Vacancy Details

Manager Communication and Governance 

  • Senior Officer role with executive influence and council wide impact 
  • Full time 5 year fixed term role with flexible working arrangements available
  • Located at St Kilda Town Hall with hybrid work options

About the Organisation 

The City of Port Phillip is an inner-city council with around 1000 employees who deliver more than 100 programs and services to our residents, businesses and visitors. These range from childcare and immunisations, to libraries, management of parks and open space, rubbish collection, road maintenance and more. City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation. 

About the Role

Lead council wide communications, governance, community engagement and advocacy functions.

Provide strategic and operational leadership across high profile portfolios that shape decision making, transparency, public trust and reputation.

Partner with Councillors, the Executive Leadership Team and senior leaders on complex and high risk matters.

Manage a large multidisciplinary workforce and ensure communications, governance, advocacy and engagement are integrated into Council decision making processes.

This role sits within the Governance and Performance division and reports to the General Manager Governance and Performance. You will lead multiple senior leaders and play a critical role in organisational leadership and transformation.

Duties:

  • Lead organisation wide communications, media, crisis response and reputational management
  • Oversee governance frameworks, council decision making systems and statutory compliance
  • Drive best practice community engagement and strategic advocacy including grants and awards
  • Provide trusted executive advice on complex, sensitive and high risk matters
  • Build a high performing, inclusive and accountable workforce culture

Skills and Experience 

  • Proven senior leadership experience in local government or a complex public sector environment
  • High level stakeholder engagement and political acumen
  • Strong governance and statutory compliance expertise
  • Demonstrated people leadership across large multidisciplinary teams
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications

Culture 

People enjoy working at the City of Port Phillip because we are a welcoming, healthy and inclusive workplace.  We offer a vibrant and diverse work environment where our employees can develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community. 

Benefits

  • We offer a workplace that accommodates your working style and needs. 
  • Be supported and empowered by a leadership team that is community-focused, with a strong desire for change and a culture that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Training and development opportunities, study assistance, flexible working conditions, paid parental leave, an active social club, a health and wellbeing program with access to fitness gyms, pools and facilities, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations   

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and                                                       
  • Sufficient proof of their identity. 
  • Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
  • Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).  

How to Apply

Click APPLY.

All applicants must provide a Resume and Cover Letter in response to the key selection criteria located on the last page of the position description. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages and include each heading in the Key Selection Criteria.

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be provided feedback.

For further information please contact Yass Mustafa, Recruitment & Employee Experience Advisor on 0468576806 or via email Yass.Mustafa@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday 26th April 2026

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au