Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Narooma; Northern Territory; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits (EAP)

Retail discounts with major retailers

Structured career paths

Job summary

Downer is seeking a senior Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to guide community and stakeholder strategies for major power infrastructure projects across transmission and substation works. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, shape engagement plans, and build trusted relationships with government, Aboriginal communities and landowners.

Operating within an ASX-listed energy & utilities context, you will influence project leadership decisions, manage issues, and ensure

Qualifications

• 15+ years in community engagement, stakeholder relations or communications.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engagement teams and complex stakeholder networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary engagement team across major power infrastructure projects.
• Develop and deliver community and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Manage relationships with government agencies, councils, Traditional Custodians and communities.
• Provide strategic advice on stakeholder issues and project reputation.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communications leadership

Strategic planning

Issues management

Contractual compliance

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications

IAP2 Certificate in Engagement

Public relations degree

Postgraduate qualifications or executive development

Job description

Description

The opportunity

• Downer is seeking an experienced Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to provide strategic leadership across community engagement, stakeholder relations, communications and Aboriginal participation for major power infrastructure projects, including transmission and substation works.

• This is a senior leadership position responsible for developing and delivering community and stakeholder engagement strategies across complex power projects. You will work closely with project leadership, clients and delivery teams to ensure engagement activities support successful project outcomes while building strong and trusted relationships with communities and stakeholders.

• You will lead a multidisciplinary engagement team and manage relationships with government agencies, local councils, Traditional Custodians, Aboriginal organisations, landowners, community groups and other key stakeholders.

• Operating across major transmission and substation projects, you will provide strategic advice on emerging stakeholder issues, community impacts, communications and project reputation.

What we offer

• This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role supporting major power infrastructure projects and help shape how Downer engages with communities, government, Traditional Custodians and stakeholders.

• Competitive remuneration with a significant ASX-listed company

• You will have the opportunity to lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, influence outcomes at project leadership level and contribute to the successful delivery of critical transmission and substation infrastructure.

• Structured career paths with the opportunity to work in different areas of the Utilities business, supported by a robust Commercial Operating Model

• A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP Beyond Blue

• Retail discounts with major retailers, Dell, Good Guys, Samsung, Specsavers & ANZ

• We are a Tier 1 ASX listed company with in-house capabilities that far exceed traditional contractor environments

What we’re looking for

• You will be an accomplished communications and stakeholder engagement leader with significant experience supporting major infrastructure, power, transmission, utilities or resources projects.

• You will bring more than 15 years’ experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations or communications, including at least five years in a senior leadership position.

• Your experience will include leading multidisciplinary engagement teams and managing complex relationships across clients, government, councils, communities and Aboriginal stakeholders. You will also bring strong capability in strategic engagement planning, issues management, communications and contractual compliance.

• A tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, community engagement, social science or a related discipline is required. An IAP2 Certificate in Engagement or equivalent is highly desirable, with postgraduate qualifications or executive development also viewed favourably.

• You will also bring a collaborative leadership style, the ability to influence at senior levels and the judgement required to navigate complex stakeholder environments across major power infrastructure projects.

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans‑Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in‑house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.