Senior External Affairs & Advocacy Leader (Remote/Hybrid)

seek.com.au; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive Leadership Team access

Flexible remote/hybrid arrangements

Domestic travel

Attractive remuneration package

Job summary

Energy Networks Australia (ENA) is seeking a senior leader to direct engagement with government, regulators, members, media, and the public. Reporting to the Chief Executive and as part of the Executive Leadership Team, you will advise the CEO and Board on reputation and advocacy and contribute to ENA’s strategic direction.

This lean, executive role focuses on strategy, external engagement, and leading a small team to deliver impact.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in advocacy, corporate affairs, government relations, or communications.
• Ability to translate complex policy work into clear messages for senior decision makers.
• Experience as a spokesperson and with media, issues, and crisis management.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with Ministers, regulators, and boards.
• Experience securing funding, partnerships, or sponsorships for campaigns or programs.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver ENA’s strategy, business plan, and budget with the Executive Leadership Team.
• Advise CEO and Board on reputation, advocacy, and stakeholder matters; report on outcomes.
• Lead ENA’s Communications and Advocacy Strategy and the external affairs function.
• Build relationships with Ministers, parliamentarians, regulators, and member CEOs.
• Translate technical work into clear, compelling messages for senior decision makers.
• Lead industry campaigns and co-funding, partnerships, and sponsorships.
• Act as senior spokesperson for ENA in media and external events.
• Oversee ENA’s external events program, publications, digital channels, and brand.

Skills

Senior leadership

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Crisis management

Public policy

Media relations

Budgeting

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Energy Networks Australia (ENA) is seeking a senior leader to direct engagement with government, regulators, members, media, and the public. Reporting to the Chief Executive and as part of the Executive Leadership Team, you will advise the CEO and Board on reputation and advocacy and contribute to ENA’s strategic direction.

This lean, executive role focuses on strategy, external engagement, and leading a small team to deliver impact.