• Full time 35 hours per week
• Temporary up to two years
• All of NSW
• Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based on the coast, with a focus on Sydney, Wollongbar, Port Macquarie, Ourimbah and Coffs Harbour
• Clerk Grade 9/10 – Salary from $ 129,464.00 to $ 142,665.00 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

About the Role
This role leads the design and implementation of innovative stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen DPI’s reputation as a trusted community partner and industry collaborator, with a strong focus on the Government’s Shark Management Program. It coordinates targeted engagement across coastal communities to build positive relationships, support shared objectives, and proactively address potential risks associated with high‑profile or contentious issues. The role works closely with DPI Fisheries leaders to gather expert advice and ensure consistent communication of program goals and outcomes. It delivers a comprehensive schedule of community education initiatives, including forums, information sessions and meetings with key groups, while producing high‑level communication resources to inform diverse stakeholders. The position also monitors political and external developments to identify emerging issues, develop risk‑mitigation strategies and guide engagement planning. Additionally, it organises major events, meets tight deadlines and implements evaluation methods to continuously improve engagement effectiveness and support the broader communications strategy.

About You
You are a strategic and collaborative engagement professional with a strong ability to build trusted relationships across communities, industry partners and government stakeholders. You excel at designing and delivering innovative engagement strategies that enhance program reputation, foster positive community connections and proactively address high‑profile or sensitive issues. Your strengths include shaping clear, consistent communication through close collaboration with technical experts, coordinating impactful community education initiatives and producing high‑quality engagement resources. You are skilled at monitoring political and external environments to identify emerging risks, developing informed action plans and driving stakeholder understanding of program objectives. With strong organisational capability, you confidently manage events, competing priorities and tight deadlines, all while ensuring activities remain on time and within budget. Your commitment to continuous improvement and robust evaluation ensures engagement strategies remain effective, targeted and aligned with broader communications goals.

As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience
• Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes.

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Marcel Green on 02 8251 2606 or email nsw.sharkprogram@dpird.nsw.gov.au. 

Applications close: Wednesday 25 March at 11:55pm AEDT.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

About Us

Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

  The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

Additional Information
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.