Title: Portfolio Engagement Lead
About Us
We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.
Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.
We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.
Public Affairs is a Group within the Department of Transport and Planning, and is responsible for ensuring a high level and coordinated view of internal and external engagement and consolidation of better advice for executives regarding the department’s government priorities, strategic plan and delivery of discreet and major projects communications and engagement
About the Role
This is a Fixed Term Position until 26 June 2026
The Portfolio Engagement Lead sits within Public Affairs and is responsible for leading and coordinating engagement for the Portfolio offices, including internal and external stakeholder events, briefings, site visits, announcements and launches, social media opportunities and industry roundtables for state and federal government priorities
Position Accountabilities
- Strategic advice –Provides high-level strategic advice on a broad range of protocol, visit and event related matters.
- Communicate and identify reputational risks - Emerging issues and risks are proactively identified and mitigated.
- Stakeholder management – Builds positive relationships, identifies opportunities and resolves issues.
- Event Coordination –leads the coordination and manages the delivery of DTP Portfolio ministerial events and engagements.
- Operational Reliability - Creates and maintains high quality workflow management procedures and coordination.
- Deadlines are Met – Effectively manages critical deadlines, allocates work across the Portfolio and Executive Communications team and Subject Matter Experts.
- Leadership – Provides training, mentoring support and advice across the Portfolio and Executive Communications team.
Position Description, please click here Lead Portfolio Advisor
Key Selection Criteria
We are seeking a dynamic leader capable of guiding strategic planning and ensure organisational objectives translate into meaningful outcomes. In this role, you will need to be able to shape a shared vision, align strategic plans with operational delivery, and build capability across teams. You will be experienced at partnering and co-creation, driving complex, high-profile initiatives that bring people together, foster collaboration, and strengthen confidence in co-design approaches. With a strong future focus, you will integrate new technologies, anticipate emerging trends, and prioritise work that advances long-term goals. Your accomplished critical thinking and problem-solving skills will deliver effective, sustainable solutions that address complex issues and prevent recurrence. As a thought leader in project delivery, you will manage large-scale projects with foresight, balancing stakeholder needs and organisational priorities while mitigating risks. This is an exciting opportunity to influence change, strengthen collaboration, and deliver outcomes that support DTP and beyond.
Qualifications and Experience
Desirable
- Degree in communications or a related field
- Qualification in event management or political science or a related field
- Demonstrated skills in event management
- Political sciences and communications experience
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 Oct 2025.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Milissa Box - Manager – Portfolio and Executive Communications at milissa.box@roads.vic.gov.au
Important Information:
If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email.