Strategic Engagement Lead

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Build partnerships that drive sustainable water outcomes
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 + super

Our NRAR team is currently seeking to appoint a Strategic Engagement Lead to lead the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen relationships, build trust and support compliance with NSW water laws.

As the Strategic Engagement Lead, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering enterprise-wide stakeholder engagement initiatives that support NRAR's strategic and regulatory objectives. Working across a diverse stakeholder landscape, you will develop and implement engagement strategies, plans and programs, foster strong relationships with industry groups, peak bodies, government agencies, environmental organisations and First Nations representatives, and provide expert advice on engagement best practice. Joining a collaborative and purpose-driven team, you'll lead projects that influence positive behavioural change, enhance stakeholder understanding and contribute to the sustainable and lawful use of water resources across NSW.

About You

• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering stakeholder engagement frameworks, strategies and programs.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives and community groups.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience leading engagement projects and campaigns, including planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting.
• Well-developed project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within timeframes.
• Ability to analyse stakeholder insights and emerging issues to inform strategic decision-making and engagement approaches.
• Knowledge of regulatory environments, behaviour change methodologies, water management or natural resource management is highly desirable.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• IAP2 Australasian Certificate of Engagement

For more information read the full Role Description: Strategic Engagement Lead

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

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.

Applications close Monday 16 November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Keeley Reynolds via keeley.reynolds@nrar.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment 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.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celeia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 553743).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.

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Role Description