Engagement And Partnerships Manager

Parks Victoria; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Parks Victoria in the Northeast Region invites applications for an Engagement and Partnerships Manager to lead a team delivering meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners, communities, volunteers and schools, and to shape visitor information and education programs that reflect parks' natural and cultural values.

You will coordinate regional communications, ensure timely, accessible information, and work with partners to strengthen community connection to parks while aligning with

Qualifications

• Experience leading stakeholder engagement initiatives in complex government settings.
• Expertise in deliberative engagement design, facilitation, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to lead integrated engagement and communications strategies with stakeholders.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications or related field; IAP2 desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering engagement with Traditional Owners, key stakeholders, community groups, volunteers and the broader community.
• Oversee visitor information, interpretation and education programs reflecting parks' values.
• Guide regional communications to support priorities and strengthen community connection to parks.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement leadership

Deliberative engagement processes

Strategic communications planning

Effective communications leadership

Commitment to high-performing regional

Education

Tertiary qualifications in communications, engagement, public policy, or related fields

IAP2 Certification or equivalent

Job description

Engagement and Partnerships Manager

A leadership opportunity in the beautiful Northeast Region of Victoria, offering the chance to play a key role in the delivery of conservation, community engagement, and operational outcomes across some of the state's most significant natural environments.

• An opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping protect the region's iconic natural places through strong partnerships with Traditional Owners, community groups, volunteers, and local schools.
• Join a supportive, dynamic, and values-driven leadership team that is committed to collaboration, cultural strength, operational excellence, and delivering positive outcomes for both people and nature.

About the role

The Engagement and Partnerships Manager leads a team responsible for delivering meaningful and transparent engagement with Traditional Owners, key stakeholders, community groups, volunteers, and the broader community. It will lead the delivery of place-based, accessible and inclusive visitor information, interpretation and education products and programs that promote parks' natural and cultural heritage values and supports the management objectives of Victoria's parks and reserves. The role also oversees the regional communications function, ensuring clear, consistent, and proactive communication that supports regional priorities and strengthens community connection to parks. This includes ensuring communities and partners have timely, accurate, and accessible information, and clear opportunities to participate in the management and enjoyment of parks and reserves. The position provides strategic input into regional planning, communications, and operational delivery, ensuring engagement and communications activities are well-integrated, aligned to organisational guardrails, and contribute to positive environmental, cultural, and visitor outcomes. As a people leader, the role is accountable for team performance, resource planning, capability development, and fostering a positive and high-performing culture aligned with Parks Victoria's values.

About the Team

The Northeast Region is home to a culturally strong and highly engaged workforce of approximately 105 staff. We value respectful relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to solving challenges and maximising operational effectiveness. Our team embraces change and innovation, and takes pride in working closely with Traditional Owners, local communities, volunteers, and schools to connect people with some of Victoria's most iconic natural places. Through these partnerships, we deliver meaningful conservation, visitor, and community outcomes across the region.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience leading and delivering stakeholder engagement initiatives in complex organisational or government settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in deliberative engagement processes, including designing, facilitating, and evaluating engagement that informs strategic decision-making — beyond standard relationship management activities.
• Proven communications experience, with the ability to lead, guide, or collaborate effectively with communications professionals to deliver integrated engagement and communication strategies.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, engagement, public policy, or related fields. IAP2 Certification or equivalent formal engagement qualification is highly desirable.
• A commitment to work as part of a high-performing regional team.

Application Requirements

• Current Resume
• Cover Letter

Application Close date : Wednesday 23rd of September 2026

If you require further information about the position, please contact Chris Derrick on [e-mail].

Employment and Inclusion

To be eligible for employment at Parks Victoria you must be legally entitled to work in Australia. Parks Victoria is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. If you are selected for an interview and require any adjustments or support throughout the recruitment process, please contact the person listed above so we can assist you.

Employment Requirements: Parks Victoria is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children, in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. All prospective employees will undergo a National Police Record Check and require a Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.