Strategic Stakeholder & Community Lead – NSW

HireFirst Pty; Dubbo; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

9-day fortnight at full pay on the EA

Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave

Fertility leave

Corporate wear allowance

Professional development and education

Remote area benefits packaging

Job summary

WaterNSW is seeking an experienced Stakeholder & Community Engagement Lead to drive engagement strategies across major infrastructure and operational projects. You will lead stakeholder relationships, deliver tailored communications, and support crisis and incident response, reporting to the Engagement & Education Manager.

This full-time, 12-month max-term role offers hybrid work options, remote area benefits packaging, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in a field such as community engagement, communications, public relations or significant community engagement experience.
• Proven experience in stakeholder and community engagement, including relationship management and leading conversations across diverse viewpoints.
• Demonstrated ability to project manage engagement activities, including planning and delivering events and forums.
• Experience in developing and implementing engagement plans and tailored communication materials such as newsletters, presentations, and reports.
• Current NSW Drivers Licence.

Responsibilities

• Support and implement stakeholder and community engagement strategies and action plans to ensure timely, meaningful, and fit-for-purpose engagement aligned with WaterNSW goals.
• Develop and deliver tailored communication materials including newsletters, presentations, speaking notes, fact sheets, draft media releases and digital content to support engagement activities.
• Plan and manage engagement events and forums, including coordination with external contractors and facilitation responsibilities.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, communities, and stakeholders, including acting as a key contact point and managing sensitive or crisis-related interactions.
• Provide strategic advice and reporting support to internal teams and senior personnel on engagement matters and maintain stakeholder databases (Consultation Manager) and ensure contract compliance with external partners.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Community engagement

Project management

Communications

Public relations

Driver's license

Education

Tertiary qualifications in community engagement / communications / public relations or related field

Job description

WaterNSW is seeking an experienced Stakeholder & Community Engagement Lead to drive engagement strategies across major infrastructure and operational projects. You will lead stakeholder relationships, deliver tailored communications, and support crisis and incident response, reporting to the Engagement & Education Manager.

This full-time, 12-month max-term role offers hybrid work options, remote area benefits packaging, and opportunities for professional development.