Who we are In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life. As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity. Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years. If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place. About the Role Reporting to Manager Strategic Relationships & Influencing this is a pivotal role across the Customer Community & External Affairs team. As the Government Affairs Lead you will be responsible for ensuring Melbourne Water (MW) and Government share an open and transparent relationship. This role is critical in ensuring MW is helping to drive outcomes that are consistent with our business-wide strategic goals and solidifying MW’s position as a trusted advisor for water issues and the sector.

• Build, maintain and strengthen respectful, constructive relationships with public affairs and caucus staff within the office of the Minister for Water (and other portfolio Ministerial offices as required and as directed), including managing correspondence between MW and those stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain and strengthen key strategic relationships with DEECA representatives, and with other Departmental staff where required, in relation to high-interest or complex public matters.
• Proactively and sensitively liaise with Government stakeholders to inform and seek counsel on significant issues of public interest and to support Ministerial events.
• Work seamlessly with internal media team to support management approaches and responses to high-profile public affairs matters, including during incidents (if required).
• Provide advice and guidance to the Managing Director and to the Executive Leadership Team, and support them when having strategic conversations with Ministers, Government and MPs.

For further information please refer to the attached Role Mandate About you:

• Extensive experience working in and around politics is strongly desired, with a proven understanding of state government and cabinet processes.
• Demonstrated political nous and ability to navigate complex organisational and external environments.
• Strong understanding of public interest and demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• Recent experience in a Government Affairs or Government Relations role preferred but not essential.
• Experience within a political office is preferred but not essential.
• Tertiary degree in Politics, Political Science, Government Administration, Communications or Media.

Why join us: At Melbourne Water, we care deeply about water and the life it sustains. Our team is inspired by passion and purpose, with an unwavering commitment to safety. We are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time. We don’t just talk about flexible working - we live it. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning flows through everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents. Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated. If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and passionate about public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive your application and learn if you could be a great fit. How to Apply Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form. Closing date: Sunday 27th April 2024 at 11:55pm AEST