Community Relations and Partnerships Manager

**About Southern Ports**
Southern Ports manages the three gateway ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance, and facilitates trade through the commercial management of efficient, safe, sustainable, and customer-focused ports. Our three regional ports play a vital role in connecting Western Australia with world markets. It is our belief that strong regional ports lead to strong regions, and that results in economic and social benefits for the communities across the regions we serve. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to supporting our teams and building a diverse and capable workforce that is geared to meet the current and future needs of our customers and the sustainability of our ports.

Our Vision: Strong Regional Ports, strong regions.

**About the role**
Reporting to the Corporate Communications and External Affairs Manager, the Community Relations and Partnerships Manager (CRPM) will lead Southern Ports engagement in the regional communities it operates within to build regional and industry reputation.

This newly-created role will be responsible for driving Southern Ports’ corporate and community partnership programs and building strong relationships with research, business and industry partners, community groups and other key regional stakeholders. As a senior member of the Communications team, the CPRM is responsible for developing and executing Southern Ports’ community engagement strategy in alignment with the organisation’s Sustainability Plan and overall business objectives.

The role will have a strong external and regional focus, and will manage a small team to deliver its key responsibilities.

The successful applicant will be required to work with internal and external stakeholders at each of the Southern Ports locations so flexibility to travel is required. The successful applicant can be located at any of the three regional ports or in our West Perth office.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Develop and deliver a community engagement strategy that builds Southern Ports’ reputation in Albany, Bunbury and Esperance.
- Provide strategic direction and support for external facing events managed by the Events Officer.
- Coordinate and attend the Port Community Consultative Committees in each region, driving membership and community consultation.
- Work with Regional Managers to facilitate two-way port user engagement in each region.
- Contribute to shaping and implementing the external communication strategies to expand and elevate Southern Ports’ position and brand within the community.
- Provide strategic direction to Heritage and Cultural Specialist.
- Responsible for the delivery of the Community and Partners pillar actions of Southern Port’s Sustainability Plan.
- Drive and manage Southern Ports’ strategic corporate partnership program.
- Provide strategic direction and support for the Community Investment Program managed by the Sponsorship Officer.
- Work with business areas to develop research partnerships and establish a research partnership program.
- Build strong relationships with industry and business groups in the regions.

**Experience and Requirements**
- Relevant qualifications in community engagement, communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or equivalent.
- Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in community and/or stakeholder engagement/relations, partnerships, communications or related field.
- Experience in the planning and delivery of communications and community engagement strategy to support strategic business objectives.
- Experience delivering community and stakeholder projects which demonstrate an understanding of the principles of public participation and program evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate at all levels with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Intermediate to high level skill in using the Microsoft Office suite of software.
- Understanding of public participation principles (including IAP2 spectrum or similar methodology).
- An understanding of Reconciliation Action Plans and working with regional Aboriginal communities is desirable.
- Practical understanding of OH&S practices as they relate to the workplace.
- WA C class driver’s licence

**Requirements**:
To be eligible for this full-time role, applicants must provide proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

The successful applicant must have a current WA driver’s licence, be able to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Access Card and undergo a pre-employment medical assessment including drug and alcohol testing.