Strategic People Communications Lead

Ministry Of Health; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Ministry Of Health is seeking a Manager Strategic Communications & Engagement in NSW to lead NRAR's communications and engagement for water regulation and public awareness. This role oversees a specialist team delivering media, brand, stakeholder engagement and education programs across NSW, with hybrid work and location negotiable.

You will develop strategic initiatives, manage reputational risks, advise senior leaders, and collaborate with government, industry and First Nations

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in strategic communications and engagement.
• Experience delivering integrated communication, media, engagement and education strategies.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments across government, industry, community and First Nations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; translate technical information into clear messaging.
• Experience leading teams and coaching staff.
• Strong project management and ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of regulation, water management, or public sector environments is highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, policy or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic communications and engagement initiatives.
• Oversee NRAR's media, brand, stakeholder engagement and education programmes.
• Develop and implement strategic communication initiatives and manage reputational risks.
• Oversee digital communications channels.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex issues.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across government, industry and First Nations communities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Corporate affairs

Integrated communications

Project management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Data-informed decisions

Education

Communications/public relations

Job description

Manager Strategic Communications & Engagement

Lead impactful communications and engagement for environmental outcomes.

• Full‑time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Hybrid working supported across NSW, office location upon negotiation
• Salary relative to experience, ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super

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.

Working closely with stakeholders across government, industry, First Nations communities and the broader community, you will help shape NRAR’s public profile and ensure clear, consistent messaging that supports its regulatory objectives.

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, translating 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, managing 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 is highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment, manages the NSW national park estate and ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples.

NRAR enforces NSW water laws, offers guidance and education to help water users comply. We strive to be an efficient and effective regulator that celebrates and reflects the diversity of the community we serve.

Working with NRAR provides a chance to make sure water is used lawfully so that all communities and the environment get a fair share.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 05 November at 11:55PM.

Eligibility: Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or valid Australian working visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Michelle Mansour on (please mention reference number ).

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and supportive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any stage, please let us know.

Photo stories: What’s going on behind every application?

We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identity. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

As a high‑performing and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, we value your lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we are committed to helping you thrive through flexible arrangements, workplace adjustments and a culture where everyone feels supported, connected and belongs.

Job Summary: Permanent full‑time role with 35 hours per week, paramatta based, hybrid working arrangements. Salary relative to experience, ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super.

In this role you will lead and coordinate community engagement for significant development projects across NSW. Responsibilities include representing PDNSW at forums, establishing stakeholder relationships, lead cross‑agency coordination, and delivering engagement strategies that support project delivery.

Requirements: Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, exceptional communication, strong problem‑solving, demonstrated leadership experience, tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, policy or related discipline, willingness and capacity to travel to regional locations and work outside core business hours.

We encourage applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss accommodations or adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Applications close: 1st November 2026 at 11:55PM.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please contact our Talent Team via email or phone for assistance.

We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse backgrounds.

About the Role

Lead engagement on transformative precinct projects that shape thriving communities across NSW. Permanent full‑time role, 35 hours per week, paramatta based, hybrid working arrangements. Salary relative to experience, ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super.

Responsibilities include representing PDNSW at community forums, establishing stakeholder relationships, leading cross‑agency coordination, and delivering engagement strategies that support project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent PDNSW at community forums, stakeholder meetings and public engagement activities.
• Establish and maintain influential relationships across government, industry and community stakeholders.
• Lead cross‑agency coordination and processes to resolve complex issues, ensuring partnership arrangements comply with NSW Government policy.

About You

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem‑solving capability and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, policy or related discipline.
• Willingness to travel to regional locations and work outside core business hours.

Change and diversity are central to our mission. We support and celebrate the inclusion of all individuals, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and other culturally diverse groups.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion reflects our belief that a workforce that embodies and understands the diverse communities we serve is a fundamental asset to our ongoing success.

More on how we support staff through flexible arrangements, learning and development, health and wellbeing programmes, volunteering opportunities and a supportive culture: we offer a range of benefits designed to support our people’s wellbeing, work-life balance and professional growth.

Our values: Connect, Deliver and Evolve. We take pride in facilitating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

For more information about the role or to discuss your application, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Michelle Mansour on (please mention reference number).