Head of Communications and Brand

• Senior Executive Officer Salary Range 
• Full-time Permanent position 
• Located at St Kilda Town Hall with flexible working arrangements possible.

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

As Head of Communications and Brand, you will lead Council's communications, brand and digital customer experience functions, helping shape how we engage with our community, employees and stakeholders.

Reporting to the Manager Communications and Governance, you will provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders and Councillors, drive major campaigns and advocacy initiatives, protect and enhance Council's reputation, and build a high-performing communications team. This is a unique opportunity to influence outcomes at the centre of a progressive inner-city council while delivering communications that make a real difference to the community.

Duties:

• Lead Council's communications, brand and digital customer experience functions.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and Councillors.
• Drive major campaigns, advocacy initiatives and organisational change communications.
• Support Council's management of high-profile issues, crises and critical incidents.
• Lead a high-performing team and drive continuous improvement across communications services.

Skills and Experience 

• Proven success leading communications, brand and reputation functions in a complex organisation.
• Strong strategic advisory skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience delivering major campaigns, stakeholder engagement and communication initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline.

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:

• Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
• 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 

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.

Further information can be obtained by contacting James Gullan, Manager Communications and Governance via phone 0422 060 *** or email at ************@portphillip.vic.gov.au 

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 6 September 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 *** or email: ***********@portphillip.vic.gov.au