About Us:

Recently named Australia’s Coolest Neighbourhood by Time Out, Burwood is a place on the move.

A diverse, creative and globally connected community, Burwood is known for its vibrant streets, distinctive public spaces, bold public art, and one of Sydney’s most exciting food scenes. From cultural festivals and laneway activations to major streetscape transformations, the city is constantly evolving.

Behind it all is a Council that believes its people are the driving force of that momentum. Our team is central to delivering the ambitious vision set out in the Burwood Community Strategic Plan 2036, shaping how the city grows, how it is experienced, and how it is seen by the world.

The Role

Let’s tell two stories.

In the first one, you’re the Head of Marketing and Communications somewhere comfortable.

You manage day to day campaigns.
You debate font sizes.
You spend months refining strategies that quietly disappear into a shared drive.

You’re busy.
You’re senior.
But you’re not visible.

Now let’s try a different story.

It’s Monday morning in Burwood.

A major streetscape project is about to break ground.
A destination campaign is going live.
The Mayor is speaking at a state forum.
A cultural activation just trended over the weekend.
A journalist wants comment.
A partnership opportunity has landed.

And your job?

Make it all mean something.

You’re not just managing outputs.
You’re shaping perception.

You’re leading a team that turns infrastructure into narrative.
Policy into story.
Projects into momentum.

You’re responsible for how an entire city is seen, by its community, by investors, by visitors, by the media.

If that excites you, keep reading. If that sounds exhausting, this probably isn’t for you.

Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

1. Strategic Marketing & City Positioning

2. Integrated Communications Leadership

3. Mayoral & Civic Communications

4. Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

5. Campaigns, Content & Digital Strategy

6. Team Leadership & Capability Building

7. Governance & Performance

More information can be found contained in the position description below.

The Environment

Burwood isn’t static.

We’re delivering city-shaping projects.
We’re strengthening our night-time economy.
We’re positioning ourselves as a destination.
We’re growing, fast.

Which means communications can’t be an afterthought.

You’ll sit at the table with senior leadership.
You’ll advise the Mayor, General Manager and Executive.
You’ll align brand, marketing and media to a clear agenda.
You’ll build a team that operates with pace and precision.

There are no “quiet months.”
There is no hiding in the background.

You’ll need judgement.
You’ll need composure.
You’ll need ambition.

The Characteristics

Strategic: You see patterns others miss. You connect campaigns to long-term positioning.

Decisive: You don’t wait for perfect conditions. You make informed calls and move.

Composed: Pressure sharpens you. It doesn’t rattle you.

Creative: You understand that narrative is leverage.

Commercially Aware: You know marketing isn’t decoration. It drives growth.

Political Acumen: You understand nuance. You know when to push and when to hold.

High standards: You don’t settle for average and you push work to be its best. “Good enough” isn’t.

Reliable: You build trust by delivering what you promise, consistently.

To be successful in this role we’ll need you to confidently check these boxes:

Degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related discipline, with proven senior experience in a marketing, communications or brand leadership management role.
Demonstrated experience in leading, developing and supporting staff to achieve communication objectives efficiently.
Expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communication plans across multiple channels, including digital and traditional media.
Demonstrated ability to build and execute integrated marketing strategies.
Strong media management skills, with demonstrated experience in media relations, including handling issues management, crisis communication, and securing earned media opportunities.
Ability to work effectively within a political environment and manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including influencing and negotiation abilities, research and analysis, and concise report writing.
Willingness and ability to work outside standard office hours when required
A current Class C Driver’s License.

Culture & Benefits:

Great work/life balance with flexible working hours and access to flexi time
Fantastic team culture and supportive environment
Lots of variety as Burwood continues to grow and develop with lots of exciting changes in the pipeline
Participate in a range of Health and Well-Being initiatives, including access to flu vaccinations, Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Ongoing training and development opportunities

Enquiries:

For further information about this role, please contact Miriam Wassef, Director People & Performance on (02) 9911 9911. If you need assistance with your application, any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact Lauren Allcott, People & Culture Advisor on 02 9911 9938.

The Moment of Truth

If you’ve read this far and thought, “finally, something worth doing,” then we should probably talk.

Apply now.

Worst case? You have an interesting interview.
Best case? You help shape the story of an entire city.

How to apply:

Please click on “Apply for this position” and follow the steps.

Applications are to include a CV and a cover letter outlining the skills they can bring to the role and how they would plan to take on the responsibilities of the position.

Closing date:

Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 11.59pm

Burwood Council

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