Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Key role leading DCCEEW’s communication and engagement strategies
• Approximately Six-month maternity leave cover
• Parramatta location preferred | Flexible working options available
• Band 2 Executive Level: TRP commencing from $300,372

The Strategic Policy, Science and Engagement  division within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is currently seeking to appoint an temporary Executive Director, Communications and Engagement to provide a maternity leave cover.

The Executive Director, Communications and Engagement plays a critical leadership role in developing and implementing communication and stakeholder strategies that support DCCEEW’s service delivery across a range of functions. These include media and social media relations, corporate communications, internal communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement, with the goal of enhancing direct communication with our people, industry, and the broader community.

The role also provides expert strategic and operational advice to the Secretary and Executive Team, ensuring high-quality, targeted communication that contributes to the achievement of the Department’s strategic objectives.

About You

This role requires an experienced people leader who can provide high level leadership and direction to the Communications and Engagement team across DCCEEW. You will be an experienced executive with strong collaboration, communication and stakeholder engagement skills who has experience working in fast-paced, high-volume complex organisations. Your experience will also include leading teams through operational change across the business and navigating highly sensitive and at times contentious political matters in the environment, energy, climate change and water related spaces.

Other key skills and experience include but are not limited to:

• Lead DCCEEW’s internal and corporate communications teams, facilitating close coordination with Executives regarding messaging, strategy and forward planning to promote and enhance DCCEEW’s communications, engagement and departmental culture.
• Develop and lead the implementation of the communication and stakeholder strategies, through partnering with DCCEEW business areas to improve stakeholder engagement, resolve and manage issues and messaging to improve and maintain the department’s reputation.
• Lead the broader strategic stakeholder engagement function across the department, building strong relationships with stakeholders, industry partners to build awareness of programs, people and strategic objectives to ensuring a collaborative environment.
• Develop a proactive media and social media strategy and lead the coordination of media and social media capabilities across DCCEEW ensuring an integrated, and aligned message is presented across the department and to the people of NSW.
• Act as a central point of contact between the Minister’s Office and the Department ensuring channels of communication are open, matters are quickly addressed, responses are well coordinated, tailored and communicated appropriately.
• Manage the provision of internal and external information throughout DCCEEW for the Secretary and the Minister’s Office through a variety of communication channels including digital, online collateral, audio visual and mainstream publications.
• Oversee the development and production of marketing and education materials to deliver critical information that drives; stakeholder engagement, informs the community and assists in promoting DCCEEW’s work, brand and objectives.
• Generate and provide access to specialist services such as media responses/inquiries, press releases, production of education materials and community liaison to support.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing strategic communications, media relations, digital and social media, and stakeholder engagement in a large and complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-level advice and support to senior executives on communications issues, risks and opportunities, and to develop and implement effective communications strategies and plans.
• Proven skills in building and maintaining productive relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, media, industry, community and peak bodies.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the capacity to inspire, motivate and develop a high-performing communications team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages and deliver clear, concise and compelling information to different audiences and channels.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the environment, energy, climate change and/or water portfolios, and the relevant policy and legislative frameworks.

For more information read the full Role Description: Executive Director Communications and Engagement

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday 19^th of May at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Michael Brown – Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition via michael.brown@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0418 696 254.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Michael Brown via michael.brown@dpie.nsw.gov.au  or 0418 696 254 (please mention reference number 542737).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn 

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