Head of Communications and Engagement

Fulltime, Ongoing
- Canberra or Adelaide

**Join us to shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.**

**We are seeking people who want to contribute to a significant water reform program that aims to respond to the impacts of climate change, support community and industry needs, and improve access to water for First Nations people.**

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray-Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the MDBA was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray-Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

**The Position**

The Head of Communications and Engagement is a strategic leader responsible for driving the MDBA communications, media and engagement functions. This role involves leading a team of communication professionals, developing and implementing high impact communication strategies and ensuring the MDBA initiatives are communicated to a diverse range of audiences.

Your key responsibilities are:

- Lead, manage and develop a high performing communications team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement and the delivery of strategic outcomes required by the agency.
- Developing an innovative and relevant communications and engagement strategy that aligns with and supports the effective delivery of the broader organisation strategy, ambition and operating plans.
- Development, implementation and ongoing delivery of a fit for purpose business partnering model that is well supported by business units across the agency.
- Leading the function to positively promote the MDBA to a wide universe of stakeholders through effective engagement, communication and media opportunities, across a range of channels and mediums.
- Foster positive working relationships with the Chief Executive, Executive Board and Murray-Darling Basin Authority to support the ongoing transformation of the MDBA’s culture, the delivery of major projects and initiatives as well as business as usual activity.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Directors, General Managers, and employees, as well as key APS agencies and state government agencies to deliver on MDBA objectives and priorities.
- Ensure the agency is appropriately positioned as a positive, forward-looking organisation, that is a great place to work and which is deeply committed to values driven leadership in pursuit of its purpose, Rivers, for generations.
- Ensure MDBA staff are informed of relevant developments in the organisation and the wider operating environment to support effective leadership and decision making.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing the MDBA including PGPA Act, Public Service Act, and other core frameworks and policies.

**What we offer you**
- You will have the opportunity to work on projects where you contribute to shaping the future of one Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
- Competitive remuneration packages, including up to 15.4% superannuation, and recognition of prior APS government service.
- Generous leave provisions (four weeks annual leave) and additional Non-attendance days between Christmas and New Year provided.
- Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people.
- Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people.
- Being part of an organisation that recognises and values First Nations people, and their contribution to our work. We have an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at improving relationships, showing respect, and increasing opportunities to deliver outcome for First Nations peoples as part of our business-as-usual activities.
- Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
- A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to a health and wellbeing program.
- Opportunities for professional development, and career progression across a variety of roles and work locations.

**Tell me more