Strategic Communications Specialist

Who are we?

We’re here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring. 

The role

Reporting to the Communications and Media Manager, this twelve-month maximum term opportunity will deliver impactful communications focused on our customers, communities, people and environment - innovating with purpose and acting with care, as we deliver essential water and wastewater services.

Some of the key accountabilities will include the following:

• Planning, developing and managing the organisation's strategic communications function, including thought leadership framework, to position SEW as an industry leader.
• Developing and leading SEW's strategic communications, to design, plan, map and sequence communications and engagement, for key projects and initiatives.
• Providing leadership, development and management of a strategic calendar of events, awards and public relations opportunities relating to the organisation's strategy and thought leadership framework.
• Leading the development of strategic and aligned content/speeches to position SEW as a leading organisation within the media, utility sector, with government, prospective employees and other key stakeholders.
• Leading, delegating, coaching and developing the strategic communications function, including people managed and contractors as required.
• Acting as a Public Information Officer in the event of an incident, coordinating the strategy and practical resourcing of our public information response.
• Participating in and responding to an on-call duty roster, in the event of an issue or incident.
• Identifying, writing, editing and proofreading copy for various internal and external communications.
• Providing high-level communications and media advice and assistance as required.

Who are you?

Interested candidates will require the following key skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in the role:

• Tertiary qualification or 10+ years relevant industry experience in communications, marketing, public relations or related disciplines.
• Experience in the development and delivery of internal and external communication strategies.
• Experience in developing strong strategic relationships with media organisations.
• Issues and crisis management experience.
• Experience in end–to-end development and/or evolution of an organisation’s communication strategy and demonstrated positive impact.
• Experience and delivery in an environment undergoing significant digital transformation and/or disruption.
• Ability to manage and deliver within a complex, political/regulated and highly collaborative environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal skills with experience in preparing Board and Executive Level papers and reports.
• Strong stakeholder management, strategic and analytical skills.

What's in it for you?

• A commitment to work-life balance with truly flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and leave purchasing. 
• 15 weeks paid parental leave for all parents and paid super on unpaid parental leave 
• A range of benefits, including free on-site parking and cultural leave. 
• A great culture working in collaborative teams with strong work ethics. 
• Career focused learning and development opportunities. 
• The opportunity to be part of an organisation committed to environmental initiatives. 
• Enjoy modern office facilities with panoramic beachfront views. 

We're for everyone

We do meaningful work, but how we do it is just as important. We’re here to help people live well, protect the environment, and keep healthy water and resources accessible and affordable for all.  We know to make a positive difference we need to support our people to be their very best. Flexibility and innovation are at the heart of how we work.  But it’s our people’s collective ambition, authenticity and differences that bring our culture to life. 

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. Everyone brings a unique voice and a refreshing perspective that keeps us innovating. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers. Even though we’re all different, we still share a common goal to deliver healthy water for life.  

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people with disability and from culturally diverse backgrounds. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible workplace for everyone. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, or to learn more about the role, please contact: careers@southeastwater.com.au

Keen to make an impact?

Click here to check out the position description. We're accepting applications for this exciting opportunity until Thursday 24 October 2024.

As part of a team of media and communications professionals, central to this role are responsibilities for 24/7 safe operation to provide support and minimise disruption of services to customers and as well as ensuring that public health and the environment are not put at risk. This includes participation in a rostered after-hours duty team, emergency response, and incident support as required.

Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.