Job Description

• Build trust through meaningful community engagement
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• NSW office location based in Parramatta, Newcastle or Orange with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348.00 to $146,945.00 + super

Are you an experienced communications and engagement professional who knows how to turn complex technical information into clear, meaningful messages?

In this role, you’ll work across environmental projects including contaminated land remediation, renewable energy, net zero, sustainability and the circular economy. You’ll bring together strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and social sustainability to help communities and stakeholders understand what we’re doing, why it matters and how they can be involved.

You’ll work closely with technical and environmental specialists across the Environmental Management Group (EMG) and Waste Assets Management Corporation (WAMC), helping build community trust, navigate sensitive issues and strengthen the social value of our environmental programs.

What you’ll be doing:

Day to day, you’ll take the lead on communications and stakeholder engagement across a mix of current and emerging environmental projects and programs.

You’ll:

• Develop and deliver practical communications and engagement plans for contaminated land management, sustainability, circular economy and net zero projects, including initiatives under the NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan
• turn complex technical and scientific information into clear, accessible content that makes sense to different audiences
• prepare and review a range of communications, including media releases, briefing notes, Ministerial responses, Q&As, newsletters, website content and social media
• build strong relationships with communities and stakeholders, identifying sensitive issues early and helping manage potential social and reputational risks
• help embed social sustainability into environmental projects by identifying opportunities to create positive social outcomes and developing practical tools, guidelines, checklists and templates
• track the social impact of projects, looking at areas such as community wellbeing, resilience, social cohesion, sense of place and trust
• support communications across EMG, including sustainability newsletters and Environmental Action Network case studies
• help technical and environmental specialists build their confidence and capability when engaging with communities and other public-facing stakeholders.

Read the role description for more detail: Senior Communications & Engagement Officer (RD to be uploaded via PageUp).

About you

You’ll bring experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and issues management, along with a track record of developing and delivering communications and engagement plans for complex projects. Just as importantly, you’ll know how to take complicated or technical information and make it clear and meaningful for a diverse audience.

You will also be willing to travel across NSW from time to time to support the delivery of a diverse range of exciting and challenging projects.

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Social Science, or a related discipline.
• A current and valid NSW drivers full license

About us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you’ll help shape lives and communities across NSW while growing your own career, supported by flexible work options, impactful projects and a collaborative, diverse team. As a high-performing and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, we value your lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we are committed to helping you thrive through flexible arrangements, workplace adjustments and a culture where everyone feels supported, connected and belongs.

Apply now

Apply today with your resume and cover letter.

Applications close: 11:55 PM, Sunday, 11 October 2026.

For more information about the role, please contact Ezio Di Giovanni; Director Environmental Services on ezio.di.giovanni@dphi.nsw.gov.au.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career Pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.