Senior Community Engagement Officer

Looking for a role where community engagement genuinely matters?
At Southern Downs Regional Council, engagement isn’t a box-ticking exercise.
It’s about building trust, shaping better decisions, and helping communities have a real voice in the future of the region.

And the best part?

You’ll do it while living in one of Queensland’s most beautiful and liveable regions — surrounded by vineyards, national parks, country charm and four distinct seasons.

The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Community Engagement Officer to lead and elevate Council’s approach to community and stakeholder engagement.
Reporting to the Principal Communications & Engagement Officer, you’ll work across major projects, strategic initiatives and community priorities to:
  • Develop and implement Council’s Community Engagement Framework
  • Lead engagement planning for complex and high-profile projects
  • Provide specialist engagement advice to leaders and project teams
  • Deliver meaningful consultation activities across diverse communities
  • Support digital engagement and online consultation platforms
  • Analyse community insights and help shape informed decision-making
  • Build strong relationships with residents, stakeholders and community groups
This is a role for someone who understands that good engagement is about more than communication — it’s about connection, trust and outcomes.

Why Southern Downs?
Because lifestyle matters.
The Southern Downs offers:
  • Award-winning wineries and cellar doors
  • Queensland’s most stunning autumn colours
  • Crisp winters, fireplaces and country hospitality
  • National parks, granite landscapes and outdoor adventure
  • Vibrant local events and connected communities
  • Affordable living and genuine work-life balance

Forget long commutes and crowded cities.
Here, you’ll have space to think, create and connect — professionally and personally.

Why Join Council?
At Southern Downs Regional Council, you’ll join a collaborative organisation where people care deeply about the region and the communities they serve.

You’ll enjoy:
  • 9-day fortnight
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Meaningful and visible project work
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Supportive leadership and collaborative teams
  • The opportunity to influence major regional initiatives

This is a role where your work has real impact — and where community voices genuinely help shape outcomes.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re an engagement professional who:
  • Understands contemporary engagement principles and practices
  • Can confidently navigate complex or sensitive stakeholder environments
  • Brings strong facilitation, communication and advisory skills
  • Thinks strategically while remaining practical and community-focused
  • Enjoys building relationships and bringing people together
Experience in local government, infrastructure, planning, community development or complex stakeholder environments will be highly regarded.

IAP2 certification is desirable.

This Is More Than a Community Engagement Role

It’s an opportunity to:
  • Help shape the future of a growing region
  • Build meaningful relationships with communities
  • Work on projects that matter
  • And enjoy a lifestyle many people spend years searching for
Join the Southern Downs and help create stronger connections, better conversations and better outcomes for our communities.
Engage communities. Influence outcomes. Love where you live.

What you need to do now
Your Marketing, Communications & Digital expert, Krystal Smith, is recruiting this vacancy. If you meet the above brief, please contact Krystal Smith on 07 3243 3022 or apply via the link.


LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Government & Public Services
Location
QLD - Regional
Specialism
Marketing
Pay
$3,779.44 – $4,011.70 (fortnightly) plus super
Ref:
2997448
Closing date
31 May 2026

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Krystal Smith, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Brisbane
Level 45, One One One Eagle St, 111 Eagle Street

Telephone: 0732433022

Similar jobs to Senior Community Engagement Officer

  • Principal Communications and Engagement Officer

    Looking for a communications role with real influence — and a better lifestyle
    QLD - Regional$4,127.83 to $4,359.89 fortnightly plus super

  • Associate Client Engagement Manager

    Are you an experienced recruiter with a background in technology or government sectors?
    QLD - Brisbane CBD

  • Program Manager

    Program Manager 3 year contract for a Townsville based organisation
    QLD - Brisbane CBD

  • Project Engineer

    Project Engineer – Major Road Infrastructure I Sunshine Coast Project I Landmark Road Project
    QLD - Sunshine CoastExcellent Base + Car + Super

  • SAP S4 IMP AND TRANSITION MANAGER

    SAP S/4HANA Implementation and Transition Manager Contract Opportunity with Local Gov
    QLD - Brisbane CBD