- Drive strategic advocacy to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.
- Operate at the intersection of policy, politics and communications
- Lead a specialist team and deliver advocacy and communications aligned to Council’s long-term priorities.
Horsham Rural City Council serves a dynamic regional city of approximately 20,000 residents and a broader catchment of more than 60,000 people across the Wimmera. As a proud agricultural and manufacturing centre with deep ties to the grain, pulse and wool industries, Horsham plays a vital role in Australia’s food security and regional economy. The municipality is now entering a significant period of economic transition, with renewable energy developments and critical mineral projects shaping its future. With a new Chief Executive Officer, Council is positioning itself to lead this change, ensuring growth is inclusive, well-planned and delivers long-term benefits for the community. With a strong focus on partnership, innovation and service excellence, Horsham Rural City Council offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a forward-looking organisation committed to supporting its community through growth and transformation.
Reporting to the Manager Investment Attraction & Advocacy, the Advocacy & Communications Lead plays a pivotal role in advancing Horsham Rural City Council's strategic priorities through advocacy, government relations, stakeholder engagement and communications leadership. This position is responsible for delivering Council's Advocacy Strategy and annual workplan, strengthening relationships across all levels of government, securing investment and funding opportunities, and building support for initiatives that create lasting benefits for the municipality. Operating at the intersection of policy, politics and communications, you will lead Council's advocacy, community engagement and communications functions. You will develop high-impact advocacy briefs, submissions, business cases and grant applications; represent Council in regional and intergovernmental forums; and provide leadership to a specialist team delivering strategic engagement, media and communications outcomes. Working closely with elected representatives, government agencies, regional partners, businesses and community stakeholders, you will influence policy, secure external funding and elevate Council's priorities. You will also monitor emerging legislative, policy and funding opportunities, manage sensitive issues and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives.
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced advocacy, government relations, policy or communications professional with a strong understanding of public policy, funding environments and stakeholder engagement. You will have a proven ability to develop persuasive advocacy materials, submissions, business cases and funding applications, supported by exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills. With strong strategic thinking, political acumen and leadership capability, you will build trusted partnerships, navigate complex stakeholder environments and lead a high-performing team to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community. Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, public policy, political science, public administration or a related discipline, together with demonstrated leadership experience, will support your success in this role.
For more information, please copy and paste this link into a browser: https://tinyurl.com/4auah65a
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Steph Davidson 0422 046 571.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
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