Resident Experience & Community Lead

Summerset - Care; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

VicGrid is seeking a Communications & Engagement Lead to guide strategic communications and community engagement for Victoria’s renewable energy transition. Based in South West Victoria, you will lead a regional team, engaging communities, landholders and Traditional Owners to support REZ planning and delivery.

This is a 12-month max term contract with a focus on transparent, inclusive engagement and strong stakeholder collaboration across projects and regions.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the Victorian energy sector, including policy and infrastructure challenges.
• Experience leading a geographically dispersed team across South West Victoria.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in complex policy contexts.
• Ability to develop clear communications for diverse audiences, including First Peoples.
• IAP2 familiarity is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and community engagement to support REZ and transmission project development in Victoria’s South West.
• Manage and develop a high-performing regional engagement team.
• Build 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.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Public relations

Education

Tertiary qualifications in stakeholder engagement

Public relations

IAP2 Spectrum familiarity

Job description

Communications & Engagement Lead (VTIF), Southwest

Shaping Victoria’s energy future

VicGrid is leading one of the most significant infrastructure transformations in Victoria’s history.

Our role is to connect renewable energy at scale to support a more reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity grid that can meet the increasing demand for electricity as coal-fired power stations close.

If you want your work to have real-world impact and deliver lasting benefits for all Victorians, this is a place where your contribution can make a real difference.

The Opportunity

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.