Community Engagement Assistant

Metro Council WA | People, Culture & Community | Perth, Western Australia | Part-time

About the Role

Join Metro Council WA's vibrant People, Culture & Community team as we navigate an exciting period of growth and digital transformation. We're seeking a passionate Community Engagement Assistant to support our expanding community consultation activities and help strengthen the vital connection between our 85,000 residents and their local government.

Reporting to Tony Sparks, Manager of People, Culture & Community Engagement, you'll be part of a dedicated 4-person team committed to ensuring every voice in our community is heard. This role offers excellent exposure to local government operations and hands-on experience in community engagement methodologies.

With increasing community interest in planning decisions and our ongoing digital transformation, this is a perfect opportunity for someone studying communications, community development, or public administration to gain real-world experience in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Support: Assist with planning and delivering community consultation sessions, information sessions, and public forums across our diverse suburbs
• Data Management: Maintain and update our community feedback database, ensuring accurate recording of resident input from various consultation channels
• Report Preparation: Help compile engagement reports and summaries for presentation to councillors and senior management
• Digital Engagement: Support online consultation platforms and social media engagement initiatives as part of our digital-first approach
• Stakeholder Communication: Assist with preparing consultation materials, including plain-English summaries of complex planning and policy documents
• Community Liaison: Provide administrative support for community advisory groups and resident associations
• Research & Analysis: Conduct basic analysis of consultation feedback to identify key themes and community concerns

What You'll Bring

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed studies in communications, community development, public administration, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex information into accessible language
• Experience with database management and basic data analysis (Excel proficiency essential)
• Genuine interest in community engagement and local government processes
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a small team
• Flexibility to attend some evening community meetings and weekend events
• Understanding of social media platforms and digital engagement tools (preferred)
• Driver's licence and own transport (required for travel to various consultation venues)

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate: $28.50 per hour plus superannuation
• Flexible schedule: 20 hours per week, with some flexibility around study commitments
• Professional development: Training opportunities in consultation methodologies and local government operations
• Meaningful impact: Direct contribution to community decision-making processes
• Diverse experience: Exposure to everything from major infrastructure projects to community festival planning
• Supportive environment: Mentoring from experienced community engagement professionals
• Career pathways: Potential for expansion to full-time upon graduation, with clear progression opportunities within Metro Council

How to Apply

Submit your application via our online portal, including: - Cover letter highlighting your interest in community engagement and relevant experience - Current resume - Contact details for two references (academic or professional)

Applications close: Friday, 28 February 2025 at 5:00 PM

Interviews: Week commencing 10 March 2025

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects our diverse community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and LGBTIQA+ individuals are encouraged to apply.

For more information about this role, contact Tony Sparks at tsparks@metrocouncilwa.gov.au or (08) 6254 3892.

Metro Council WA is an Equal Opportunity Employer