Stakeholder & Community Engagement Manager - Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal

The Company

The Port of Hastings Corporation (PoHC) is responsible for managing landside port operations, including the maintenance and development of port infrastructure. They are committed to operating a safe and vibrant deep-water port that supports Victoria's long-term economic development and environmental sustainability. Situated within the Western Port Ramsar site, PoHC ensures that its operations are environmentally sound and community conscious.

The Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) is a proposed dedicated assembly port that will support import, storage, and pre-assembly of offshore wind components, to support offshore wind farms across Victoria. The development of suitable port facilities is critical to facilitate the assembly and delivery of offshore wind infrastructure. The Port of Hastings has been selected as the preferred location to establish the terminal, at the Old Tyabb Reclamation Area (OTRA), which is managed by the PoHC. A dedicated project team has been assembled to deliver the VRET Project.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Project Director, the Stakeholder and Community Engagement Manager plays a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of both the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) project and Port of Hastings Corporation's (PoHC) ongoing operations. This position is responsible for delivering high-level strategic communications and engagement advice to executive leadership and Ministerial stakeholders, while also developing impactful content for various communication platforms. Central to the role is building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders and the broader community. Success in this role requires the ability to navigate complex and sometimes competing priorities, aligning messages and objectives across State and Federal governments, PoHC business-as-usual activities, and the VRET project, including coordination with relevant government departments and Ministerial offices.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide highly influential strategic advice to senior management and develop and execute stakeholder engagement and communication strategies to support and advance PoHC's objectives (including those related to the VRET project).
• Lead engagement with the Office of the Minister for Ports and Freight, ensuring alignment of public and media messaging, and coordinate cross-government communications with the Minister for Energy and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and where relevant, advocate for a position to support PoHC outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with community stakeholders and key external parties, including government agencies, regulators, local councils, landowners, and community groups, influencing positive outcomes.
• Lead the stakeholder and engagement team, supporting coordinated and effective delivery of engagement activities.

About You

A relevant tertiary degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Business, or a similar field is required, along with demonstrated experience in senior-level communications, stakeholder engagement, or government relations positions. The ideal candidate will be recognised for maintaining composure in high-pressure situations while demonstrating strong planning, organisational, and time management capabilities, including the ability to effectively prioritise tasks and adapt to shifting demands. Additionally, candidates must possess a proven history of building exceptional relationships, successfully managing and influencing varied stakeholder groups, and establishing partnerships that deliver mutual value.

Required Skills and Proficiencies

• Demonstrated experience in leading strategic stakeholder and community engagement initiatives involving complex technical content and regulatory frameworks.
• Highly skilled in planning and managing public engagement and navigating complex community dynamics.
• Strong understanding of government engagement and communication processes gained through experience in public or private sector management or specialist positions, with commensurate understanding of the social, political, environmental, and economic contexts, including an ability to manage complex risk.
• Track record of providing skilled support to executive management and colleagues to support confident and aligned messaging and managing media interactions to support favourable outcomes.
• Proven ability to develop and implement communication and engagement strategies and plans, using a wide range of communication, engagement and marketing techniques and delivering high quality outputs.

The Rewards and Culture

This is an amazing opportunity to play a key role in unlocking the offshore wind industry in Victoria. This is a key component of Victoria's clean energy future, with targets of 9GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040, and over 6000 additional jobs created. Whilst contributing to Australia's transition to renewables, you will be joining a highly professional and capable team who are motivated to deliver a successful outcome. The role is offered as a full-time fixed term contract (4 years) and offers a combination of working in the office (in Crib Point, Vic), from home, and other locations as required, including Melbourne CBD.

How to Apply

Apply now by submitting your current resume
(in Word format)
.

For a confidential discussion or to review the information pack and full PD please contact Nathan Kelly on or via

To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders.

Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustments for you.