Senior Communications Advisor (A06) Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to join our team in the North Coast Region.
About the Role
The Senior Communications Advisor will provide high-level communication advice and support to all areas of the business within the North Coast Region. As the primary point of contact for several projects, you will lead and implement communication and engagement activities across the region.
Main Accountabilities
* Lead, manage, coordinate and draft executive correspondence, community relations and community engagement for projects.
* Develop a range of communication and engagement strategies and activities for projects within the North Coast Region.
* Set and manage the direction for engagement strategies and look for innovative ways to engage different stakeholders.
* Partner with key internal business units to provide strategic communications advice and solutions to meet project objectives.
* Develop communication and engagement materials to execute over a range of internal and external channels.
* Identify opportunities for media and develop proactive media strategies and plans.
* Provide on-the-ground support during key communication and engagement events.
* Monitor and identify key reputational issues and/or risks and develop responses/strategies to mitigate risks.
* Coordinate and manage external contractors/consultant communications teams working on projects.
* Maintain strong relationships and collaborate with project teams to support the successful delivery of communication and engagement services.
* Navigate complex political environments and maintain impartiality.
* Ensure appropriate governance frameworks are maintained and adhered to.
Key Challenges
* Translating complex information into clear and simple concepts that meet stakeholder information needs.
* Developing communication strategies in an environment of competing priorities and often conflicting views and interests of multiple stakeholders.
* Responding to emerging urgent matters and quickly synthesising and dealing with issues with multiple competing projects and tight deadlines.
Essential Criteria
* Minimum five years' experience in working in the stakeholder engagement space with a strong focus on the community.
* Proven ability to build strong relationships and manage a diversity of stakeholders.
* Ability to analyse problems and work collaboratively to deliver mutually agreed solutions.
* Provide skills in planning, organisation and ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Outstanding verbal and written communication and active listening skills.
* Capacity to work flexibly, including weekends and evenings as well as on site.
* A political awareness.
Desirable Criteria
* A tertiary qualification, preferably in communications and engagement accreditations.
* A knowledge of public sector processes and regulatory systems and how government works would be beneficial.
* Experience within the infrastructure or construction industry or similar.
* Understanding of Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia framework and how it applies to infrastructure projects.
* IAP2 certified or willing to attain certification at own cost.
* Experience in a strategic communication or community engagement role in an environment dealing with major infrastructure projects, particularly in the transport or civil engineering sector.
Working Hours
Maximum of 38 hours per week Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm on agreed office days and between 6am and 10pm on agreed remote working days under implemented FWA up to 50% based on business needs after a probationary period.