Principal Advisor Community Engagement

Principal Advisor Community Engagement

You will deliver community and stakeholder engagement services for Sydney Water’s major projects, complex issues and regional programs (including planning, maintenance and capital programs) across Infrastructure Delivery, Water & Environment Services and Customer Experience.

Ensure the successful development and delivery of projects and programs in the eyes of stakeholders by providing community engagement, strategic and tactical communications, issues management, as well as oversighting contractual obligations with partners providing these services.

About the role

• Lead projects across Sydney Water with a best practice approach to community and stakeholder engagement across all relevant business units
• Guide team members in the compiling and development of complex communication and engagement plans and approaches to promote projects, protect reputation, manage issues and deliver successful programs.
• Build and maintain effective and influential relationships across all stakeholder segments including community, private sector, government agencies, internal and customer.
• Collect community and stakeholder information to identify their needs and activities, including collating data, analysis, focus groups and surveys
• Respond to escalated complaints, enquiries and feedback from a variety of channels, and oversee complaint response by partners.

About you

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, stakeholder engagement or corporate affairs, in a complex environment experiencing change.
• Demonstrated experience leading a high performing team in a high-pressure, matrix working environment.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and work cooperatively with people at all levels to achieve outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the complexity of infrastructure projects in the planning and delivery stages, and associated community and stakeholder plans required for projects of a larger size.
• Development and delivery of community and stakeholder engagement strategies, on infrastructure projects specifically.
• Experience in working on the planning and delivery of infrastructure projects.

Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities. For any additional questions please reach out to connor.may@sydneywater.com.au – Application closing date is Friday 8^th May 2026

Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. 

Why join us 

Dive into Our Great Benefits: 

Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately. 

Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being. 

Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success. 

24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal. 

Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans. 

Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance. 

Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW. 

Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options. 

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community.  

Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check.