About the role: The Communications and Engagement Lead is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the Integrated Water Management Program (IWMP) Communications and Engagement Strategy.

Working across multiple teams, this role will help ensure the community is informed, engaged and empowered to participate in discussions about Canberra's future water and wastewater needs. You'll bring together technical experts, stakeholders and communications professionals to deliver transparent, accessible and meaningful engagement activities that build understanding, trust and shared ownership.

This role combines strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, project management and campaign delivery within a high-profile and evolving program environment.

What you'll do

- Coordinate the delivery of a multi-phase communications and engagement program aligned with the IWMP Communications and Engagement Strategy.
- Support the development and implementation of campaign narratives, messaging frameworks and communication plans.
- Coordinate the production of campaign materials, including web content, fact sheets, videos, presentations, community information and digital content.
- Work with engineers, technical staff and other subject matter experts to translate complex information into transparent, engaging and accessible messages.
- Monitor engagement outcomes, sentiment and feedback to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Coordinate work across technical, operational, engagement and communications teams to ensure consistent and timely delivery.
- Manage program schedules, reporting, risks, documentation and governance requirements.
- Support the management of external suppliers, consultants, agencies and research partners.
- Identify emerging issues and community concerns and develop proactive communication responses.
- Monitor budgets, timelines and performance reporting to ensure successful delivery.





What you'll bring

- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale communications and engagement programs.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a complex program environment.
- Exceptional writing, storytelling and content development skills.
- Experience delivering communications and engagement activities in high-profile, sensitive or complex stakeholder environments.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Experience translating technical or complex information into plain English for diverse audiences.
- Qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline.

Highly desirable

- Experience working in utilities, water, infrastructure, environment or government sectors.
- IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation or equivalent engagement experience.

Who we're looking for

You are someone who:

- Thinks strategically and understands the bigger picture.
- Takes initiative and drives outcomes.
- Enjoys bringing people together to achieve shared goals.
- Is highly organised and comfortable managing complex projects.
- Communicates confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Pays attention to detail without losing sight of long‑term objectives.
- Navigates complex issues with sound judgement and professionalism.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to:

- Lead communications and engagement for one of Canberra's most significant long‑term planning programs.
- Work on issues that will impact future generations.
- Collaborate with experts across water, engineering, planning and community engagement.
- Influence how major decisions are communicated and understood by the community.
- Join a supportive and collaborative team.
- Deliver work with genuine community impact.

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📌 Communications & Engagement Lead (IWMP) (Canberra)
🏢 Icon Water
📍 Canberra