Head of Communications and Engagement

Working at TasWater isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits for Tasmania today, and tomorrow. Our talented workforce of over 920 employees keeps Tasmania thriving by providing exceptional water and sewerage services to over 460,000 customers every day. We have a bold and ambitious future, inspired by our vision to unlock water’s full potential, and centred on our customers and communities, our people and partners, the environment, and our collective water future. Over the coming 5 years we’re investing $1.2 billion to ensure a safe and secure water future for a growing Tasmania, and will we make great steps towards our aspirations of net zero carbon emissions and towards zero waste.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager Customer and Community, this role is responsible for leading enterprise-wide communications, stakeholder relations and community engagement strategies to strengthen trust, confidence and connection. You will drive the strategic narrative for TasWater, ensuring communications are aligned to our organisational priorities, while supporting delivery of our major capital program and key initiatives. As a key leader, you will build strong relationships across government, media, stakeholders and communities, positioning TasWater as a trusted organisation and advocate for Tasmania’s future.

What you’ll be doing

• Strategic leadership – develop and deliver integrated communications, media and stakeholder strategies aligned to business objectives
• Stakeholder engagement and advocacy – build trusted relationships with government, councils and key influencers, advocating for TasWater’s priorities and funding outcomes
• Media leadership – act as a spokesperson and guide proactive and reactive media strategies while managing reputational risk
• Internal communications – connect our people to strategy, building understanding, engagement and alignment across the organisation
• Community engagement – ensure effective, coordinated community engagement that supports our $1.2 billion capital program and community confidence
• People leadership – lead a high‑performing team, contributing to culture, capability and strategic direction

What we're looking for

We are seeking an experienced and influential communications leader who can build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful engagement across employees, customers, stakeholders, government, media, and the community. You will be a strategic thinker with a proven ability to navigate complex environments, lead high-performing teams, and deliver communication and engagement outcomes that support organisational success. Drawing on extensive experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management, you will be comfortable providing advice to senior leaders, managing competing priorities, and leading others through change.

About you

You are a strategic and confident communicator with the ability to influence at the highest levels. You bring:

• Significant experience leading communications and engagement in a complex organisation
• Strong government, media and stakeholder relationship experience
• Proven ability to manage issues, complexity and change in dynamic environments
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, including acting as spokesperson for an organisation
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to take informed, calculated risks, make sound decisions in complex environments, and confidently lead others through change and transformation

Qualifications

A relevant qualification in communications, public relations, community engagement or a related discipline/equivalent job experience is required.

Why TasWater

Across our multi-disciplinary organisation, we are serious about enhancing the skills and careers of our team members. When you join TasWater, you join a company that offers career development pathways, training courses, and access to subject matter experts. We are continuing to build an inclusive workplace and workforce that truly represents the Tasmanian community that we serve. We value diversity in all its many forms and welcome a range of perspectives and identities to enrich the way we work and what we do. We take pride in being acknowledged as an employer of choice for women by WORK180.

The Details

This role can be based in either Hobart, Launceston or Devonport. Our applications will be closing on Monday 6th July at 10:00 AM. Please note: To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must have the right to work in Australia. As part of our recruitment process, you may be asked to participate in pre‑employment checks relevant to the role. These may include a National Police Check or AusCheck, with any offer of employment subject to satisfactory outcomes.