Community Engagement Manager - Regional ProgramsHybrid

• Be part of creating Greater Sydney’s future by leading community and stakeholder engagement for our once-in-a-generation regional infrastructure program.
• Full time permanent role conveniently located at our head office in Parramatta with flexible working options. 
• Proudly making a difference to establishing a best-in-class, customer centred, client organisation. 

An exciting opportunity has become available for a dynamic and accomplished professional to lead our Regional Programs Engagement team at Sydney Water.

The Engagement Manager - Regional Programs is a key member of the Government, Stakeholder & Community leadership team and is responsible for effectively delivering community and stakeholder engagement for Sydney Water’s regional capital, operations and maintenance projects.

The position also plays a critical role in enhancing the organisation’s reputation, influence and operational success by ensuring effective communication, engagement and partnership with stakeholders and contractors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of engagement professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, curiosity and continuous learning. Monitor performance and provide coaching and feedback to improve team capability and productivity.
• Provide expert advice on the management of community and stakeholders and issues for operational, maintenance and capital programs.
• Proactively identify, manage and avoid reputation risks and opportunities, providing strategic communication advice and early planning.
• Lead the organisation’s response to community and stakeholder related issues or crises in relation to capital, operational and maintenance projects, coordinating with relevant teams and contractors to manage and mitigate risks.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders to create a pathway for on-time approvals for the delivery of projects.
• In collaboration with the Government, Stakeholder & Community leadership team, support the preparation for Budget Estimates and other Ministerial and Government communication.
• Ensure contractual obligations are met and exceeded by partners in service of good customer outcomes.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree qualifications in communications, public policy, business, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience in stakeholder and community engagement or corporate affairs, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Infrastructure or utility experience will be highly advantageous.
• An excellent understanding of effective community engagement and consultation practices. IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and teams, with a focus on results, community and project outcomes.
• Strong business acumen with the capacity to liaise and work with senior management and other team members to determine positions on public policy issues, both pro-active and reactive.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive attitude and passion for achieving results (outcome focus).
• Works well under pressure and is flexible and adaptable to respond to unplanned and unexpected events and issues/crisis.

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: Thursday 23 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.