Engagement Consultant

Salary: $85,000 – $90,000 (based on experience)
Location: Hybrid – mix of onsite, office, and WFH

About Us

Cunningham Partners is a leading South Australian stakeholder and community engagement consultancy with a focus on road transport and infrastructure, energy, and defence projects.

Our integrated approach combines specialist engagement capability with direct project management support, enabling us to deliver clear, coordinated, and collaborative outcomes across South Australia. We work closely with government departments and industry to achieve outcomes that are strategically aligned with public priorities and responsive to community expectations.

Our unique blended model ensures that every project benefits from both engagement and hands-on project management expertise.

The Role

As an Engagement Consultant, you will:

Work closely with project teams to design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies.

Provide direct support to project managers and coordinate project communications.

Collaborate with community members, councils, industry organisations, Indigenous groups, and government agencies.

Work across projects in urban fringe areas, the Adelaide Hills, and rural regions of South Australia (occasional overnight travel required).

Operate in a hybrid role combining on-site, office, and work-from-home flexibility.

This role requires a high degree of independence, while benefiting from the guidance of the Senior Engagement Consultant and Management team. You’ll need to utilise problem-solving and creative thinking skills daily, work to strict deadlines, and manage challenges professionally to protect the reputation of our clients.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement engagement strategies across infrastructure, energy, and defence projects.

Coordinate hybrid engagement activities, ensuring stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

Act as a key liaison for project teams, supporting smooth execution and addressing challenges promptly.

Safeguard client and project reputations through professional, effective engagement.

Ensure information flow by delivering clear communication plans across the project lifecycle.

Plan and facilitate consultation activities such as workshops, information sessions, and surveys.

Manage stakeholder feedback and risks, incorporating input into planning.

Document and report on engagement activities, providing regular updates to clients and project managers.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Tertiary qualifications in communications, journalism, project management, community services, community development, or equivalent work history.

Proven experience in managing stakeholders in challenging or controversial circumstances, particularly where projects involve political or sensitive issues.

A current driver’s licence.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate discussions and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Proven problem-solving and creative thinking skills, particularly under deadlines and unexpected challenges.

Ability to maintain clear and consistent information flow with stakeholders.

Experience supporting project managers or project teams as a trusted “right hand.”

Desirable

IAP2 (International Association for Public Participation) certification.

White Card (SA).

What We Offer

The opportunity to contribute to projects that make a real difference in South Australian communities.

A supportive and collaborative environment with a strong focus on well-being and mental health.

Professional development opportunities to grow your skills and career.

Flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid model of onsite, office, and WFH.

Five weeks of annual leave, giving you more time to recharge.

A competitive salary based on experience.

If you’re ready to contribute your skills to projects that shape South Australia’s future while enjoying a supportive and flexible workplace, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please forward your resume with 3 referees, along with a cover letter that specifically addresses the role key responsibilities (max 3 pages) to [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: As this role may involve engagement within Australian Defence Force facilities, personnel or projects, applicants are required to have Australian citizenship.

For more information or full role description, please contact Brendan on 0473 614 052 or email [email protected].

Applications close 26th September 2025