Strategic Communications Lead – Local Government

Sb Recruitment Pty Ltd; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Our NSW NRAR team is seeking a Manager Strategic Communications & Engagement to lead strategic comms and engagement efforts that build public confidence in water regulation and NSW water laws. This senior role oversees a specialist team delivering media, brand, stakeholder engagement and education programmes.

You will develop and implement strategic communications, manage reputational risks, and provide expert advice to senior leaders while collaborating with government, industry, and First

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations or corporate affairs.
• Ability to develop and deliver integrated communication, media, engagement and education strategies.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments across government, industry and First Nations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading teams and fostering a high‑performing culture.
• Strong project management to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated capability in media management, reputation management and strategic issue resolution.
• Ability to use data and insights to inform communication strategies.
• Knowledge of regulation, water management or public sector environments is highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic communications and engagement initiatives that build public confidence in water regulation and promote NSW water law awareness.
• Oversee a specialist communications and engagement team delivering media, brand, stakeholder engagement and education programmes.
• Develop and implement strategic communication initiatives, manage reputational risks and emerging issues, oversee digital channels.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex communication and engagement matters.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across government, industry, First Nations and the broader community to shape NRAR's public profile and messaging.
• Influence meaningful outcomes that support sustainable management of water resources across NSW.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Corporate affairs

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Written communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Manager Strategic Communications & Engagement

Location: NSW, hybrid working supported

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Salary: $154,231 to $178,369+ super

Job Description

Our Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) team is currently seeking to appoint a Manager Strategic Communications & Engagement to lead the delivery of strategic communications and engagement initiatives that build public confidence in water regulation and promote awareness of NSW water laws.

In this leadership role, you will oversee a specialist communications and engagement team responsible for delivering NRAR's media, brand, stakeholder engagement and education programmes. You will develop and implement strategic communication initiatives, manage reputational risks and emerging issues, oversee digital communication channels, and provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex communication and engagement matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic communications and engagement initiatives that build public confidence in water regulation and promote awareness of NSW water laws.
• Oversee a specialist communications and engagement team responsible for delivering media, brand, stakeholder engagement and education programmes.
• Develop and implement strategic communication initiatives, manage reputational risks and emerging issues, and oversee digital communication channels.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex communication and engagement matters.
• Work closely with stakeholders across government, industry, First Nations communities and the broader community to shape NRAR's public profile and ensure clear, consistent messaging that supports its regulatory objectives.
• Influence meaningful outcomes that support the sustainable management of water resources across NSW.

About You

• Proven leadership experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations or corporate affairs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver integrated communication, media, engagement and education strategies that achieve organisational objectives.
• Strong experience managing complex stakeholder environments and building productive relationships across government, industry, community and First Nations stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear and compelling messaging.
• Experience leading teams, coaching staff and fostering a high‑performing, collaborative culture.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines and emerging issues.
• Demonstrated capability in media management, reputation management and strategic issue resolution.
• Experience using research, data and insights to inform communication strategies and drive behaviour change outcomes.
• Knowledge of regulation, water management, natural resources or public sector environments will be highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.

Diversity and Inclusion

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working visa for the duration of the appointment.

Application Closing Date

Applications close 05 November at 11:55PM.