Communications & Engagement Lead (VTIF), Southwest

Vicgrid; Geelong; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VicGrid invites applications for a Communications & Engagement Lead (VTIF), Southwest. Based in South West Victoria, you will lead a high-performing regional team and partner with communities, landholders, First Peoples and stakeholders to drive inclusive engagement for REZ planning and delivery.

You will oversee communications materials and reference groups, shaping VicGrid's role in Victoria's energy transition while navigating policy and infrastructure challenges in a dynamic renewables

Qualifications

• Engage diverse stakeholders in complex policy/infrastructure contexts.
• Lead a geographically dispersed engagement team.
• Develop clear, high-quality comms for varied audiences; work with First Peoples.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and community engagement to support REZ and transmission projects in Victoria's South West.
• Manage and develop a high-performing regional engagement team.
• Build strong relationships with communities and stakeholders, proactively addressing issues.
• Collaborate with regional and project teams to support REZ delivery and readiness.
• Support community reference groups and engagement initiatives, including the Community Energy Fund.
• Oversee clear, engaging communications about VicGrid's role in Victoria's energy transition.

Skills

Strategic communications

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Collaboration

Public communications

IAP2 familiarity

Education

Public relations / communications degree

Job description

Communications & Engagement Lead (VTIF), Southwest

The Communications and Engagement Lead (VTIF), South West will lead strategic communications and engagement to support Victoria's renewable energy transition. Based in South West Victoria, you'll lead a high-performing team and work closely with communities, landholders, Traditional Owners, First Peoples and key stakeholders to deliver transparent, inclusive engagement that supports Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) planning and delivery. This is a 12-month max term contract position.

What you will deliver

• Lead strategic communications and community engagement to support Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and transmission project development in Victoria's South West.
• Manage and develop a high-performing regional engagement team.
• Build strong relationships with communities, stakeholders and local leaders, proactively managing issues and risks.
• Partner with regional and project teams to support REZ delivery and regional readiness.
• Support community reference groups, forums and engagement initiatives, including the Community Energy Fund.
• Oversee the development of clear, engaging communications about VicGrid's role in Victoria's energy transition.

What you will bring

• Strong understanding of the Victorian energy sector, including the policy, planning and infrastructure challenges involved in the transition to renewable energy.
• Manage a geographically dispersed team across South West Victoria, empowering people to deliver meaningful outcomes for communities and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders in complex policy or infrastructure contexts, with well-developed interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Skilled in developing clear, high-quality communications and engagement materials for diverse audiences, with an ability to work respectfully with First Peoples and Traditional Owner groups.
• Tertiary qualifications in stakeholder engagement, media, or public relations and Certification and/or familiarity with IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation is highly regarded.

What we offer you

As we continue to grow, you'll have the opportunity to help shape our culture, influence how we work. Some of the benefits on offer include:

• Employee Assistance Program support for you and your immediate family
• Annual salary increases and performance-based progression opportunities

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a National Police Check. Applicants must have the relevant work rights for the duration of the appointment.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

VicGrid welcomes people from all backgrounds and assesses applicants fairly based on the role requirements. We support flexible ways of working and encourage conversations about options such as hybrid work, flexible hours, part-time arrangements, job sharing and leave opportunities.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday October 18.