Nicole O'Brien
Kiama
Summary
Community engagement and communication leader with over a decade of experience supporting councils, local networks and regional projects. Skilled in stakeholder mapping, consultation planning, digital communications and event coordination. Brings a grounded understanding of community needs and a track record of delivering high-impact strategies that drive participation, influence policy, and achieve measurable outcomes across place-based, culturally inclusive and strategic engagement initiatives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Officer and Market Manager
Kiama Business Network
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Led precinct revitalisation projects in partnership with Council, extending business participation in NSW’s 24-hour economy
- Managed stakeholder engagement across Council, business, and tourism sectors to deliver community campaigns, forums and activations
- Delivered integrated marketing across digital and print for Buy Local, Mayoral Breakfast, and Leaders in Business campaigns
- Produced high-impact communications, surveys and newsletters to engage 26,000+ social media followers and local stakeholders
- Managed community events and markets with 140+ stalls, balancing economic outcomes with precinct impacts
- Used engagement mapping and data collection to evaluate project success and community sentiment
Owner & Operator
Retail Business
05.2021 - 03.2025
- Founded and grew a successful retail business grounded in sustainability and local partnerships
- Designed and executed social media and marketing campaigns that increased customer engagement and local visibility
- Built partnerships with local producers, community organisations and tourism events
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
Project Officer
Kiama Municipal Council
05.2022 - 01.2024
- Co-managed operations across two residential sites comprising over 200 independent living units and more than 250 residents, ensuring compliance, service delivery, and stakeholder satisfaction
- Oversaw the end-to-end delivery of a $500,000+ capital works project, from stakeholder consultation and procurement through to implementation and close-out
- Liaised with contractors, council staff, and residents to coordinate construction schedules, mitigate disruption, and maintain clear communication throughout the project lifecycle
- Developed and monitored project timelines, milestones, and budget allocations, ensuring on-time delivery within financial constraints
- Conducted risk assessments, managed incident responses, and implemented mitigation strategies to minimise resident impact during high-disruption works
- Facilitated regular site inspections and contractor briefings to ensure adherence to WHS and project specifications
- Produced reports, updates and documentation to keep executive leadership and council officers informed on progress, risks and resident concerns
- Led communication and engagement with affected stakeholders, including older residents and families, to maintain trust and address issues early
- Contributed to procurement processes, contract evaluation and negotiation with suppliers and service providers
Team Leader & Change Advocate
NIB Health Funds
01.2010 - 01.2021
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Education
Marketing & Digital Communication
Monash University
Monash, VIC03-2026
Engagement
Certificate in Engagement
IAP202-2024
Project Management
Project Management
Harvard Online04-2022
Management
Leadership Development
APA07-2017
Skills
- Community Engagement & Consultation (IAP2)
- Stakeholder Mapping & Relationship Management
- Strategic Communication & Campaign Development
- Leadership & Team Development
- Project & Event Management
- Policy and Program Delivery
- Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
- People-Centred Problem Solving
- Customer and Community Experience Management
- Salesforce, TechOne, CRM systems)
- Engagement Data Analysis & Reporting
- Workshop Facilitation & Public Speaking
- Website & Digital Platform Management (WordPress, Mailchimp, Canva)
- Systems: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Campaign Monitor
Accomplishments
- Awarded a fully funded international trip of my choice in recognition of an internal engagement project that transformed team culture, improved communication, and lifted staff satisfaction
- Grew the Kiama Seaside Markets’ social media presence to over 26,000 engaged followers, driving community awareness, visitor growth and regional visibility through consistent and strategic content
- Planned and delivered high-impact community events, including the Kiama Mayoral Breakfast, Leaders in Business forums, and Buy Local campaigns, combining stakeholder coordination, sponsorship, and targeted communications
- Led operations across two residential precincts with over 250 residents and 200+ Independent Living Units, overseeing maintenance, emergency response, and resident engagement in the absence of the facility manager
- Managed a $500,000 Project from planning to completion, including stakeholder liaison, procurement processes, contract management and reporting
- Developed and led the Local and Homegrown Community Hub at the Kiama Show, showcasing agricultural producers and strengthening local identity through strategic engagement with farmers and rural networks
Timeline
Executive Officer and Market Manager
Kiama Business Network
01.2024 - 04.2025
Project Officer
Kiama Municipal Council
05.2022 - 01.2024
Owner & Operator
Retail Business
05.2021 - 03.2025
Team Leader & Change Advocate
NIB Health Funds
01.2010 - 01.2021
Marketing & Digital Communication
Monash University
Engagement
Certificate in Engagement
Project Management
Project Management
Management
Leadership Development
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