Community Engagement LeadOn-Site

At Sydney Water, we’re passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities.

About us

We have a proud heritage and a progressive future, providing world-class drinking water and beautiful waterways from the mountains to the sea. We see the world is changing so we are changing too. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve.

The Opportunity

In this role, you are responsible for managing and developing a regional community and stakeholder engagement team for the planning and delivery of operations, maintenance and regionalised capital works programs for the West Region. Location is Homebush and Parramatta based on business requirements, with hybrid work options available.

Accountabilities & Deliverables

• Coach and supervise the Regional Engagement Team.
• Lead the development, delivery and implementation of community and stakeholder engagement to promote the brand, protect reputation, manage issues and deliver successful programs across a regional portfolio.
• Build and maintain effective and influential relationships with the community and stakeholders.
• Provide input into Sydney Water’s responses to major issues, working closely with the Media and Government Relations teams to offer strategic insights and engagement advice to business leaders.
• Ongoing analysis of community and stakeholder engagement channels to identify improvement needs and opportunities.
• Provide expert advice on community and stakeholder engagement for board papers, business cases, stakeholder briefings, tender documents and environmental assessment/ legislative documents.
• Research and implement best practice approaches and methods to community and stakeholder engagement that take into account new technologies, employee beliefs, community attitudes and preferences.

Knowledge:

• Degree qualifications in communications, public policy, business, journalism/marketing or any related field, or extensive commensurate experience from working on infrastructure projects.
• IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation is highly desired.

Skills:

• A team player with the proven ability to collaborate with others to achieve goals
• Emotional intelligence, including strong team development, coaching, diplomacy and conflict management skills
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills including strong corporate and policy communication skills
• Strategic thinker with proven planning, influencing, negotiation and facilitation skills
• Project management skills in a collaborative environment – capable of leading a number of project teams to address portfolio issues

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in a senior communications, community relations or corporate affairs role in a major corporation, government department or agency environment.
• People leadership and experience in developing teams and capabilities
• Strong business acumen with the capacity to liaise and work with senior management and other Communications and Government Relations team members to determine positions on public policy issues, both proactive and reactive.
• Demonstrated ability in design, delivery and implementation of proactive communication and engagement plans.
• Experienced in leading crisis communication and emergency management communications supporting multiple stakeholders
• Strong news sense and ability to think outside the square and identify opportunities to promote business successes and achievements
• Strong project management skills in a collaborative environment – capable of leading a number of project teams to address regional issues.

You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. For more information please contact sophia.catacouzinos@sydneywater.com.au.

Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond the workplace. Here's how we support you:

• Flexible & Hybrid working options.
• Childcare allowances.
• Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Novated lease opportunities.
• Fitness Passport providing access to numerous gyms and pools across NSW.
• Flu vaccinations and discounted health insurance memberships

Closing Date: Wednesday 8th May 2024

Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process.

Working at Sydney Water

At Sydney Water, we are passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities. We have a proud heritage and progressive future providing world class drinking water and services that are vital to our customers’ quality of life and safeguarding Sydney’s future. We see the world is changing, so we are changing too. 

Our vision is to create better lives through world-class services, and we believe that starts with our people. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve. Our diverse skills, mindsets and backgrounds work together on exciting and challenging projects that make a difference and help ensure Sydney remains one of the most iconic and liveable cities in the world.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and those living in rural, regional, and remote locations.

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.

We look at our Talent Community first when new opportunities come up when you apply for a role. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application

Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities.