Media And Communication Team Leader

About Seqwater

Seqwater is the Queensland Government Bulk Water Supply Authority, responsible for delivering safe, secure and cost-effective bulk water supply for more than 3.6 million people across South East Queensland.

We work collaboratively with five water retail partners, and supply directly to 1,200 irrigator customers. Seqwater also manages 26 dams across the region, works with stakeholders to support the health of water catchments, and offers recreation opportunities across the region’s dams and lakes for the community to enjoy.

Seqwater is one of the largest water businesses with the most geographically spread and diverse asset base of any capital city water authority. Our operations extend from the New South Wales border to the base of the Toowoomba ranges.

We commit to delivering a high standard of customer service aligned to our strategic vision. We value working collaboratively with our internal & external customers to improve service delivery. 

About Your Opportunity

It’s an exciting time to work at Seqwater. As South East Queensland continues to grow, and we experience the effects of climate change, Seqwater is planning for the region’s future water security. Together with major upgrades at our largest dams – Wivenhoe, North Pine and Somerset – proposed enhancements to the SEQ Water Grid will see Seqwater deliver a significant capital delivery program across the next decade.

We’ll also have a part to play in supporting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Lake Wyaralong to host the rowing and canoeing events.

Reporting to the Manager Communication and Engagement, you will be responsible for leading a high-performing team of Media and Communications specialists to drive a forward calendar of media opportunities, manage reputational issues, and use creative storytelling to engage both internal and external audiences.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement effective Media and Communication strategies and plans that enhance the organisation’s reputation and contribute to its strategic objectives.
• Drive proactive media, storytelling, and promotional opportunities for Seqwater including a schedule of media releases and events, interviews, speeches, presentations and a regular rhythm of internal communications and engagement, in line with Seqwater’s strategic objectives and major programs – including the Water Security Program and Dam Improvement Program.
• Deliver and implement a best-practice employee communication strategy aligned to Seqwater’s strategic objectives and values, that ensures the right message is received at the right time, in the most effective way, including driving platform solutions and upgrades.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including Seqwater’s Executive and Senior Leadership teams; representatives of Ministerial offices and government departments; South East Queensland water service providers; councils; and journalists in order to influence outcomes.
• Partner with senior leaders and provide trusted expert communications advice and spokesperson training for both internal and external audiences.
• Develop and implement crisis communication and issues management plans to effectively manage and mitigate potential reputational risks, including those which may emerge quickly, to maintain Seqwater’s social licence to operate.
• Lead Seqwater’s approach to emergency and flood event communications, with the support of the Communication and Engagement Team.

This role has five direct reports specialising in Media and Communications, and internal communications, and forms an integral part of the Communication and Engagement Leadership Team.

The preferred candidate will be calm under pressure, provide strategic reputation advice, drive improvement, and support their team to navigate competing deadlines and a fast-paced environment in a stakeholder and issues-rich environment.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in media relations, corporate communications, or relevant field.
• Experience in leading a high performing team with competing deadlines and priorities.
• Experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of communications strategies within a high-profile political environment.
• Experience in managing communications functions, in particular media management, crisis communications, and employee communications to enhance an organisation’s brand and reputation.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Unrestricted driver’s licence for a motor vehicle.

This position will be offered as an individual TFR package with an attractive salary and is a permanent full time role.

Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other medical/character requirements. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically deemed ineligible. Each application will be considered on its merits.

For a more detailed preview of the work that you will be involved in for this role, feel free to take a look at the position description on our careers page - careers.seqwater.com.au   We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn and join our growing community of followers to see all the latest news and job opportunities as and when they happen - https://www.linkedin.com/company/seqwater/(link is external)

If you are looking for an extraordinary career in which you can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply

Submit your cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and your resume via the Apply button.

Applications close: 11:55PM AEST, Sunday 19th May 2024

For further information please email enquiries to ***********@seqwater.com.au

Please note – applications cannot be accepted via email.