Energy Networks Australia (ENA) is the industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks, a sector that has created significant opportunities and is playing a large part in the country’s future. Our members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia.

Our team works with networks, regulators, and industry partners to develop research and advice on the national and state policy and regulation that shape how energy networks operate. This includes key technical issues such as network safety and security of supply, reliability and power quality, peak demand management, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy.

The Role

We’re looking for a senior leader to direct how ENA engages with government, regulators, members, media, and the public. Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you’ll advise the CEO and Board on reputation and advocacy and contribute to ENA’s overall strategic direction.

This role turns ENA’s expertise into influence and outcomes for our members. You’ll work alongside the Chief Operations Officer, who leads ENA’s regulation, policy, and network transformation work, drawing on ENA’s technical and regulatory experts to put evidence before senior decision makers in plain English. You’ll also build support and co-funding for industry campaigns, respond quickly and credibly to media, and keep ENA relevant to members through strong events and engagement.

ENA brings together a diverse membership and gives it one strong, credible voice. Shaping that voice takes sound, independent judgement and the conviction to carry a position with members, government, and stakeholders.

This is a lean,



focused executive role. Success comes from choosing the few priorities that matter most and leading a small, high-performing team, not from running a large corporate affairs function.

Key Responsibilities:

- Working with the Chief Executive, Chief Operations Officer, and fellow executives to set and deliver ENA’s strategy, business plan, and budget.
- Advising the Chief Executive and Board on reputation, advocacy, and stakeholder matters, and reporting on outcomes against agreed measures.
- Setting and leading ENA’s Communications and Advocacy Strategy, focusing effort and resources on the priorities with the greatest impact.
- Leading and developing a small External Affairs team, with full ownership of its performance.
- Building trusted relationships at the most senior levels with Ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, regulators, member CEOs, consumer organisations, and the ENA Board, using creative approaches that go beyond traditional meetings.
- Working with ENA’s technical and regulatory experts to translate complex work into transparent, compelling messages for senior decision makers, and contributing to ENA’s policy positions, reports, and submissions.
- Leading ENA’s industry campaigns, building support and securing co-funding from major stakeholders, and managing strategic partnerships and sponsorships.




- Acting as a senior spokesperson for ENA in the media and at external events, including in the Chief Executive’s absence, and leading proactive media, issues, and crisis management.
- Leading ENA’s external events program, publications, digital channels, and brand.

Energy Networks Australia (ENA) is the industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks, a sector that has created significant opportunities and is playing a large part in the country’s future. Our members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia.

Our team works with networks, regulators, and industry partners to develop research and advice on the national and state policy and regulation that shape how energy networks operate. This includes key technical issues such as network safety and security of supply, reliability and power quality, peak demand management, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy.

The Role

We’re looking for a senior leader to direct how ENA engages with government, regulators, members, media, and the public. Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you’ll advise the CEO and Board on reputation and advocacy and contribute to ENA’s overall strategic direction.

This role turns ENA’s expertise into influence and outcomes for our members. You’ll work alongside the Chief Operations Officer, who leads ENA’s regulation, policy, and network transformation work, drawing on ENA’s technical and regulatory experts to put evidence before senior decision makers in plain English. You’ll also build support and co-funding for industry ca

📌 Chief External Affairs Officer (Sydney)
🏢 seek.com.au
📍 Sydney