Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Temporary opportunity to 31 December 2026
- Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime
- Any NSW office location - regional location encouraged/hybrid working supported
- Salary ranges from $145,378.00 to $168,130.00 + super + leave loading
The Water Group is seeking to appoint a Manager Communications and Engagement to lead the development and delivery of strategic communications and engagement activities for the NSW Government’s Reconnecting River Country Program, as well as other priority Water Group programs and projects as required.
Working closely with the Water Group executive, the role manages the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the program’s broader communications and engagement strategies and activities. Managing a small team, the role also works closely with a range of program teams, and other teams across the department, to help ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to external communications and engagement.
This role will go to December 2026 and will require regular travel throughout the southern NSW / Riverina region (at least once a month for several nights).
Key accountabilities
- Providing expert advice and specialist support to senior executive and business units to ensure the community and stakeholders have opportunities to stay informed and provide feedback as the program progresses.
- Managing the development and delivery of communication and engagement strategies and plans to support program objectives and milestones.
- Identifying emerging stakeholder matters/issues and quickly synthesising information for consideration by the Water Group executive.
- Leading the design and delivery of best practice engagement programs and managing community and stakeholder events such as forums, workshops, focus groups, surveys, webinars and briefings to obtain stakeholder feedback and support an effective engagement approach.
- Managing the planning and delivery of a range of innovative and tailored communication materials and channels including key messaging, web portals, e-newsletters, direct mail-outs and advertising (print, radio and social media).
- Managing the ongoing evaluation and refinement / improvement of communications and engagement activities for the program.
- Advising, and working closely with, program teams to deliver positive communications and engagement outcomes in line with departmental policies and procedures.
- Stakeholder mapping, managing the program’s stakeholder database and responding to stakeholder queries.
- Supporting the program’s First Nations engagement team to deliver on program objectives.
Essential Requirements
- Qualifications in stakeholder and community engagement, communications or other relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
- IAP2 certification (or willingness to undergo IAP2 training)
- Experience managing small teams (3-5 staff)
- Willingness and capacity to travel to southern NSW and other outer suburban and regional locations.
- Willingness to work outside of core business hours in the evening and on weekends when required.
- Current Driver’s License.
For more information read the full Role Description: Manager 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.
The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.
An introduction to Water | Water (nsw.gov.au)
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 Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Brian Pate via brian.pate@dpie.nsw.gov.au or on 0491 971 299.
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.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
DCCEEW is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsws.gov.au or contacting Ty Brennock on 0409 231 515 (please mention reference number 542961).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you are welcome to use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.
Role Description
