The Position

The Communications and Engagement Branch leads the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) internal and external communications, as well as stakeholder and relationship management. It plays a central role in building trust and transparency with the public, Basin communities, other government departments, industry, and international partners, while also fostering an informed, connected, and engaged workforce. The Branch’s work covers a wide range of channels and activities, including digital and social media, production, UX, publications, media releases, corporate communications, national and international engagement, and event management.

The Director, Stakeholder Relations plays a key leadership role accountable for the strategic direction and delivery of MDBA’s stakeholder engagement initiatives and events functions to enhance the MDBA’s external standing and reputation. In this role you will be responsible for overseeing and leading the planning, coordination and implementation of comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies across the regional, national and international remit to support organisational business objectives, and ensure robust, trusted and enduring relationships are developed and managed with key communities at all levels through effective engagement and representation.

The position requires a senior stakeholder relations professional with strong leadership capability, a deep understanding of government environments and community engagement, and demonstrated success in managing, negotiating, and influencing complex and diverse stakeholder groups. The role will manage a high-performing team and work collaboratively across the MDBA, the Branch, with other government agencies, and with diverse external partners to advance the MDBA’s mission and national interest.

Your key responsibilities in this role are to:

• Direct and lead the planning, development and implementation of comprehensive engagement strategies from local to internation levels that strengthen relationships with communities, stakeholders and partners across Australia and abroad, and support the MDBA’s business objective.
• Direct and lead the MDBA’s key partnerships with regional, national, and international agencies, research institutions, governments and relevant high-profile organisations, including through high profile events such as MDBA summit meetings, conferences, and forums.
• Direct and lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of stakeholder relations initiatives ensuring scheduled (and responsive) events, tours and engagement activities align with strategic objectives, effective risk management, and timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Set engagement and partnership priorities, anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, and lead the MDBA’s responses to complex or sensitive community consultation issues.
• Build and ensure processes are in place to enable open lines of communication across the Communications and Stakeholder Relations sections to allow for proactive collaboration, in particular where complex stakeholder engagement is required to deliver integrated communication and engagement plans.
• Oversee planning of and visits by overseas delegations, ensuring effective processes are in place for preparation, protocol, engagement, record keeping and follow-up.
• Oversee the effective planning and delivery of regional and place-based engagement initiatives, including the cohort of regional engagement officers (REOs).
• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders including senior management, government officials, and other key stakeholders in relation to functional responsibilities.
• Oversee and direct the reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement of stakeholder activities, including through best practice use of systems for customer relationship management and online engagement, to inform policy, planning and decision-making.
• Stay attuned to emerging issues and changes in the regional, national and international environment – engage MDBA partners where required and adjust initiatives accordingly.
• Lead and build a high-performing section, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and responsive work culture across a geographically distributed team and Branch.
• At all times, act in accordance with and model the MDBA Purpose and Values and the APS Values and Code of Conduct.
• Perform other duties as required from time to time.