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About this opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Project Communications and Stakeholder Engagement to lead the communication and engagement strategy for Yarra Trams' infrastructure, renewal and major projects portfolio.

In this influential leadership role, you will ensure customers, communities, government stakeholders and industry partners receive clear, timely and accessible information about project activities, service impacts and network disruptions. Working closely with project, operational and senior leaders, you will drive best-practice communications and stakeholder engagement that supports project delivery, customer readiness and positive community outcomes.

You will lead a team of communications and engagement professionals, providing strategic direction, governance and quality assurance across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will also play a key role in managing stakeholder relationships, identifying and mitigating reputational risks, and ensuring compliance with organisational requirements and Department of Transport and Planning standards.

Key accountabilities include:

• Developing and delivering integrated communications and stakeholder engagement strategies across major projects and renewal programs.
• Providing expert advice to project teams and senior leaders on communications, engagement and community readiness.
• Leading stakeholder planning and engagement across the project lifecycle, including government, local councils, traders, community groups and accessibility advocates.
• Overseeing multi-channel communications, project approvals, community notifications and project-related correspondence.
• Monitoring stakeholder sentiment, identifying issues and managing communication responses to sensitive or complex matters.
• Supporting communication readiness for planned disruptions, major works and emerging issues.
• Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing team while managing budgets, suppliers, project risks and reporting requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a visible impact across Melbourne's tram network while helping communities stay informed and connected during the delivery of critical transport projects.

About you

Ideally you are a strategic communications and stakeholder engagement leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced and highly visible environments. You bring strong people leadership capability, exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to build trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you will also bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• IAP2 certification or stakeholder engagement training, which will be highly regarded.
• Significant experience leading project communications, stakeholder engagement or community engagement programs within transport, infrastructure, government, utilities or similar complex environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering communications and engagement strategies for major projects, construction activities, service changes or network disruptions.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing communications or engagement professionals.
• Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement principles, governance frameworks and best-practice communication approaches.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical or operational information into clear, engaging and accessible content.
• Experience working with government departments, local councils, community organisations and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Sound judgement and confidence managing sensitive issues, stakeholder concerns and reputational risks.
• Experience coordinating multi-channel communication programs and navigating complex approval processes.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing budgets, suppliers, schedules, reporting requirements and competing priorities.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive communication requirements.
• Familiarity with Department of Transport and Planning communication and stakeholder engagement requirements will be advantageous.

If you are a collaborative leader who is passionate about delivering meaningful stakeholder outcomes and helping major projects succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close: 11 September 2026