Manager Communications and Engagement

Department of Communities and Justice; Lismore; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Learning & development

Employee assistance

Wellbeing program

Fitness Passport

Job summary

The NSW Reconstruction Authority in Lismore is seeking a Manager Communications & Engagement to lead strategic communications and stakeholder engagement across Northern Rivers.

Reporting to the Director, you will guide the development of communications materials, manage sensitive issues, mentor a team, and help build trust with communities and partners through clear messaging and coordinated engagement.

Qualifications

• Significant communications and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Proven leadership including coaching and developing teams.
• Experience managing communications in politics/media-sensitive environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives.
• Advise senior leaders on communications priorities.
• Oversee creation of engaging communications materials.
• Manage sensitive issues and stakeholder relationships.
• Lead a team to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Leadership

Strategic advising

Political/media sensitivity

Written communication

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualifications in communications or journalism

Job description

Full time, temporary role up to 31 December 2027. Office location – Lismore with flexible/hybrid working environment. Clerk Grade 11/12, Salary relative to experience ($154,231 - 178,369) + super.

Be part of a team that helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters across New South Wales.

As Manager Communications & Engagement, you will lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives that strengthen community connections, build stakeholder trust and promote the important work of the NSW Reconstruction Authority in the Northern Rivers.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director Communications & Engagement, you will lead the development and delivery of strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and community engagement initiatives across a diverse portfolio of programs. You will provide expert advice to senior leaders and ensure communications activities support organisational priorities and community outcomes. Working in a complex and fast-paced environment, you will oversee the creation of engaging communications materials, manage sensitive issues, build strong stakeholder relationships and lead a team to deliver high-quality communications and engagement outcomes across the Authority in the Northern Rivers.

About You

You’ll bring significant communications and stakeholder engagement experience, along with a passion for building trusted relationships and delivering meaningful outcomes for communities. Ideally, you will have:

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership experience, including coaching, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing communications in a complex, politically and media-sensitive environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build consensus and influence outcomes across diverse groups.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing high-quality communications collateral and strategic messaging.
• Proven leadership capability with experience managing, developing and motivating teams.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations or journalism or relevant/demonstrated equivalent experience

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager Communications and Engagement.

About the Agency

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is a statutory corporation and executive agency of the Premier’s Department, that will improve how NSW plans for disasters and ensure that we recover from them faster. To reduce the severity and impacts of disasters, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will complete critical planning and preparation with communities, businesses and government. When disaster does strike, we will get recovery started swiftly and coordinate reconstruction efforts across agencies, communities and other stakeholders. Joining our team with a rewarding job in a community-driven agency is just the start. The Authority also offers:

• Flexible working practices
• Contemporary workspaces and technology
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing program (with a cool app)
• Workforce that values inclusion
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Fitness Passport with a choice of 200+ gyms and pools across NSW

Applications close : 3:55pm , Wednesday 11 Novembe r 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Lauren Maher , Director Communications & Engagement at [e-mail]

Our Commitment

Great people come from all walks of life. At NSW Reconstruction Authority we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote gender diversity in our workplaces, the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the employment of people with a disability, veterans and other diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background or sexual orientation.

Additional Information

The recruitment process may include a range of assessments including interview, psychometric assessments, work sample activities and pre-employment checks as required. Looking for more information or assistance with applying? We encourage and support applications from people with a disability. If you require an adjustment to the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including information in an alternate format or an alternate method of submission of the application) please contact the Talent Team via [e-mail] or 0409 382 621 and reference the Job Title and Reference Number for the role in which you are requesting the adjustment.

Recruitment Pool

Recruitment Pool A recruitment pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that become available over the next 18 months