Title:  Communications and Stakeholder Manager (Maintenance)

About us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

The Communications and Customer Experience Division supports the Department of Transport and Planning to deliver on the Government's transport and precincts agenda. We do this through clear communications, genuine engagement and marketing campaigns that resonate with people because they are focused on delivering better outcomes for people, wherever they live. The division innovates with communications approaches to support organisational, cultural and behavioural change. 

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2027

The Communications and Stakeholder Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of a strategic communications and engagement plan for the road maintenance program. As a key member of the Statewide Delivery leadership team, the role plays an important part in promoting a positive team culture and includes one direct report.

The position oversees the planning and execution of communications using a range of channels, including digital, social media, marketing, video, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach. It is accountable for identifying and mitigating reputational risks, ensuring stakeholder engagement is effective, and evaluating the impact of communication activities.

Success in the role requires strong collaboration with operational teams to track and report on program progress, and the ability to foster positive relationships across the business. The manager will also work closely with peers in the broader communications division to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to messaging and public engagement.

 To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Lead a team of communications specialists, managing timelines, resources, outputs, and budgets to deliver strategic communications.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate reputational and operational risks to ensure integrity and effectiveness.
• Provide strong leadership by fostering a positive, agile team culture focused on innovation, capability development, engagement, and collaboration.
• Support Directors and stakeholders across Transport Services, including partners and agencies, to align communication strategies with divisional objectives.
• Empower the team to be proactive, project-focused, and accountable for delivering high-quality, timely communications.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of projects, partnering with teams to prioritise and manage communication outputs.
• Drive delivery of integrated communication and engagement plans, with clear stakeholder analysis, messaging, channel selection, and risk mitigation.
• Evaluate communication efforts through community consultation, capturing effectiveness and lessons learned.
• Perform other duties as required under Section 31A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic), consistent with the role's classification and capabilities.

Key Selection Criteria

We are seeking an experienced Communications and Stakeholder Manager to lead the development and delivery of strategic communication and engagement initiatives for the state’s road maintenance program.

In this role, you’ll apply your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex issues, deliver innovative solutions, and drive measurable outcomes. Your understanding of broader organisational objectives will help align communications with departmental priorities.

You’ll take a customer-focused approach, tailoring communications to meet the needs of diverse audiences while managing risks to ensure effective service delivery. A strong ability to build trust and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders will be essential, as you work to establish meaningful, collaborative partnerships.

As a confident and strategic communicator, you’ll distil key messages, provide high-level advice, and ensure communications are clear, timely, and impactful. Your insights will support senior leaders and contribute to informed decision-making.

The role also requires demonstrated project delivery expertise. You’ll translate strategy into action, define governance frameworks, and oversee progress to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing team and make a lasting contribution to the transport network that keeps Victoria moving. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are passionate about public service, and have a strong record of communication leadership, we encourage you to apply.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and purpose-driven professional who builds strong partnerships to achieve shared outcomes. They lead by example, fostering a culture of co-creation by coaching others, building team commitment, and delivering high-quality, timely results. Skilled at navigating differences of opinion, they facilitate open discussions to reach alignment and informed decisions.

They will demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, adjusting quickly to changing priorities and operational demands, and responding with practical solutions that keep work on track.

With a clear sense of outcomes thinking, the ideal candidate helps their team connect daily work to broader organisational goals. They inspire purpose by showing how individual contributions deliver impact to stakeholders and align with the strategic direction of the branch and department.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in communications, engagement, public relations, education or a similar discipline

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

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Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday 9 July 2025.

Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

For further information about the role please contact Sara-Jane Delaney, - Manager Communications and Stakeholder via sara-jane.delaney@transport.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.