Who we are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place.

About the Role

This is a part time (.6) fixed term opportunity for 8 months. Reporting to Manager Strategic Relationships, this is a pivotal role within the Melbourne Water Customer Community and External Affairs portfolio. As the Strategic Relationships & Engagement Advisor you will be responsible for developing, influencing and leading proactive strategic communications and engagement initiatives, putting Melbourne’s customers and diverse community at the heart of our decision making and the delivery of our services. The Strategic Communications and Engagement Advisor will work closely with teams across the business to provide strategic engagement advice, help solve complex issues and build strong relationships with internal and external customers and stakeholders. In this role you will

• Develop, lead and evaluate integrated strategic relationships and engagement strategies (face to face and digital), plans and procedures for complex strategic projects and business strategies being delivered across Melbourne Water service portfolios
• Use customer insights to plan and deliver customer improvement plans and actions
• Understand government policy and context, and planning and statutory approvals to provide advice and support to project managers
• Develop high quality briefing materials for the Managing Director and senior leadership as required
• Develop strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders, including internal project managers and agency officers
• Responding to incidents, providing communication, engagement and advice during and after these events

For more information, please refer to the Position Description

About you:

• Experience developing and delivering proactive and innovative engagement strategies on complex projects, business strategies or sensitive issues. 
• Exceptional social awareness and ability to quickly and creatively redesign engagement activities to meet customer and stakeholder expectations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and an eye for detail.
• Experience working across the IAP2 spectrum
• Exceptional customer service standards with the ability to negotiate with customers and stakeholders on behalf of the organisation
• Ability to engage others and gain support and confidence of senior management and key stakeholders (including the Executive Leadership Group, Managing Director and Board)
• High level of project management skills with proven ability in setting priorities, meeting deadlines, managing budgets and keeping accurate records to enable project reporting
• Demonstrated understanding of the media and media relations and experience in online engagement techniques, social media and digital content creation is preferable.

Why join us:

At Melbourne Water, we care deeply about water and the life it sustains. 

Our team is inspired by passion and purpose, with an unwavering commitment to safety. We are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.   

We don’t just talk about flexible working - we live it. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning flows through everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.  

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.  

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and passionate about public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive your application and learn if you could be a great fit. 

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Sunday 13^th June 2025 at 11:55pm AEST