An exciting opportunity has arisen for experienced Senior Communications and Engagement Officers to join a high-profile public infrastructure project based in either Sydney or Newcastle. This contract role, running until June 2026, offers you the chance to play a pivotal part in shaping the communications and engagement strategy for a major transmission initiative that will have lasting impact across New South Wales.

What you'll do:

As a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer, you will immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where your ability to connect with diverse audiences is paramount. Your days will be filled with opportunities to shape public perception through thoughtful planning and execution of communication strategies. You will work alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to transparency and collaboration. By engaging directly with stakeholders ranging from local communities to government representatives, you will help build consensus around complex infrastructure developments. Your expertise will be instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with different groups while ensuring all messaging remains consistent with organisational values. The role also involves managing multiple priorities simultaneously-balancing urgent ministerial requests with ongoing community outreach-requiring adaptability and strong organisational skills. Success in this position means not only delivering clear information but also nurturing positive relationships that underpin long-term project success.

• Support the development and execution of comprehensive communications plans tailored for the Hunter Transmission Project, ensuring alignment with broader organisational objectives.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to create strategic collateral that is consistent, fit for purpose, and effectively communicates key messages to varied audiences.
• Engage proactively with landowners, community groups, Aboriginal stakeholders, local councils, and Members of Parliament to foster trust and understanding around project activities.
• Coordinate media activities in partnership with the Community Engagement and Media team, including marketing campaigns, branding initiatives, website updates, social media content creation, media relations management, and issues response.
• Prepare ministerial materials such as talking points, contentious issue briefs, event documentation, and ensure all outputs accurately reflect policy positions in clear language.
• Prioritise ministerial requests within the team to guarantee timely delivery of high-quality communications that support government objectives.
• Maintain productive relationships across regional business units to advance strategic priorities and facilitate effective information flow.
• Support post-Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) engagement activities by organising community information sessions, pop-up hubs, and stakeholder meetings to keep communities informed and involved.
• Contribute to a thorough handover process to the Network Operator at project completion in 2026 by documenting processes and ensuring knowledge transfer.
• Monitor feedback from stakeholders and adapt communication strategies as needed to optimise engagement outcomes.

What you bring:

To excel as a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer in this context, you will bring substantial experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects where effective communication is critical. Your background should include hands-on involvement in developing strategies that address complex stakeholder landscapes-particularly those involving government agencies or public sector initiatives. You possess exceptional interpersonal skills that enable you to navigate sensitive topics diplomatically while building rapport across diverse groups. Your written communication abilities are second-to-none; you can distil technical information into accessible language suitable for any audience. In addition to formal qualifications or equivalent practical experience in communications disciplines, you demonstrate sound judgement when responding to emerging issues under pressure. Your approach is always inclusive-you value input from others and seek out opportunities for co-operation wherever possible. Above all else, your dependability ensures that every task entrusted to you is completed thoughtfully and thoroughly.

• Demonstrated experience in communications and engagement roles on major linear infrastructure projects within New South Wales or Australia, particularly during public exhibition phases.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships with both internal colleagues and external stakeholders-including community members, Aboriginal groups, local councils, MPs-to enhance collaboration and achieve shared goals.
• Strong writing skills evidenced by drafting high-quality project documents such as media releases, speaking points, briefings, posters, letters, fact sheets, and detailed reports tailored for various audiences.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications or a related discipline or equivalent relevant professional experience gained through similar roles within public sector or large-scale projects.
• Experience coordinating media activities across multiple channels including traditional press outlets as well as digital platforms like websites and social media accounts.
• Capacity to manage sensitive issues discreetly while providing accurate advice on contentious matters for ministerial consideration.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands efficiently within tight deadlines without compromising quality or clarity of output.
• Familiarity with best practices in stakeholder engagement-especially post-EIS activities such as facilitating information sessions or pop-up events-and adapting approaches based on feedback received from participants.
• Commitment to upholding organisational values through transparent communication practices that foster trust among all parties involved.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your communications career further by making a real difference on one of NSW's most important infrastructure projects, we encourage you to apply now!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Emma Crossing on +61282893137 or [email protected] for a confidential discussion.