Job Description
Port of Newcastle (PON) is seeking an experienced Community Relations & Engagement Manager on a permanent full time basis. Reporting to the Senior Manager Corporate Affairs & Strategy, the ideal candidate will be experienced in leading engagement with stakeholders, both internally and externally, across a wide variety of projects, supporting strategic programs across the business. This includes developing and implementing external communication, engagement, events, sponsorship and promotional activities, to support strategic brand positioning, build stakeholder and community relationships, and strengthen PONs public narrative. The Community Relations & Engagement Manager will:
Develop and deliver strategy and outcomes to support community relations functions for key projects, initiatives and opportunities across the organisation of interest, benefit or impact to our wider Port community
Provide brand positioning, content and communications advice and assistance to help drive business development and project communications
Lead and oversee events and associated stakeholder activities with budget to achieve optimum impact and engagement
Facilitate positive stakeholder relationships and leverage these to PON’s advantage
During crisis situations, work with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Senior Manager to support media management and digital channels
Manage and lead PON’s Community Liaison Group, including meeting schedule, minutes and the speaker program
Lead, develop and implement a community engagement program
Identify opportunities and support the development and delivery of PON marketing, communications, media and engagement activities
Lead the development and implementation of programs to engage with customers including trade events and conferences and the customer engagement program
Ensure minimum standards of consultation apply to State Significant and Critical State Significant Infrastructure developments
Conduct proactive, structured engagement with strategic communication as a powerful risk mitigation tool.
Unearth potential issues, understand stakeholder expectations and concerns, monitor, mitigate and manage
It is a highly visible role essential to the organisation having effective and collaborative internal and external relationships. The successful candidate will be self-driven and comfortable collaborating with colleagues across the business to support the organisation in achieving its ambitions.
Port of Newcastle is a major Australian trade gateway handling 4,600 ship movements and 171 million tonnes of cargo each year. With its annual trade worth about $25 billion to the New South Wales economy, the Port enables businesses across the state to successfully compete in international markets. As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible Port that realises its potential.
In addition to a diverse and exciting work portfolio, Port of Newcastle also offers employees outstanding benefits, including 14 weeks paid primary carer Parental Leave, income protection insurance and salary-sacrifice Superannuation co-contribution of up to 2%. Port of Newcastle also offer employees an opportunity to be a part of an agile workplace, with individual agile plans in place across the organisation to assist and support individuals to work from both the office and home.
The successful candidate will have:
Tertiary qualification or demonstrated equivalent experience in Communications, Stakeholder engagement/consultation,
Demonstrated understanding of and demonstrated experience of best practice community relations, sponsorship, events and engagement principles
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Strong stakeholder management, sponsorship, events and community relations experience.
Previous experience in leading and managing all aspects of strategic communications activities, including experience contributing to an organisation’s digital, social media presence and media strategies.
Experience developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies
Extensive knowledge of MS Office suite, Social Pinpoint or similar
Ability to prioritise workloads in an environment of competing priorities
Experience working across multiple projects and with a broad range of stakeholder groups to deliver communications, engagement, events opportunities and build strong relationships
Skills in research, project management, strategic communications, issues management, leadership, marketing, facilitation and public relations
Ideally, the candidate will have experience in Adobe Creative Suite, crisis communications and knowledge of the Newcastle and wider region. The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate a successful track record in working both independently and as part of a team on high-pressure, time-sensitive and confidential projects.
The role is Newcastle based and a competitive salary package and employment conditions will be offered.
If you would like more information, or to obtain a success profile pack, please contact Louise Mann on 0403416134 or louisem@peoplefusion.com.au for a confidential discussion.
Only those applications with an accompanying cover letter addressing the requirements above will be considered.
At peoplefusion we don’t just accept diversity and inclusion —we celebrate it! We strive to create an environment of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, religion or physical ability, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. If you require any assistance with your application please don’t hesitate to contact us