EL2 Director Media and Education / EL2 Director Engagement / EL2 Director Communications

Ongoing and non-ongoing opportunities
$128,195 – $151,083 plus 15.4% superannuation
Adelaide, Canberra, Goondiwindi, Griffith, Mildura, Murray-Bridge and Wodonga

Who are we:

With the enactment of the Water Act 2007 (Cth), the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

For the first time in the Basin’s history, one Basin-wide institution is responsible for planning the Basin’s water resources, with all planning decisions made in the interest of the Basin as a whole.

Our most important work is to:
• prepare, implement and review an integrated plan for the sustainable use of the Basin’s water resources
• operate the River Murray system and efficiently deliver water to users on behalf of partner governments
• measure, monitor and record the quality and quantity of the Basin’s water resources
• supporting, encourage and conduct research and investigations about the Basin’s water resources and dependent ecosystems
• advise the Australian Government Minister responsible for water on the accreditation of state water resource plans
• provide water rights information to facilitate water trading across the Basin
• engage and educate the Australian community about the Basin’s water resources.

At the MDBA, we are committed to diversity and inclusion across our workforce, and in the way that we work. We recognise the importance of making the best use of the unique perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills across our regionalised organisation. We strive to create a workplace where our people flourish in a welcoming and culturally safe environment. We encourage and welcome applications from people with disability, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

Who are we looking for:

The Communications, Engagement and Strategy Program are seeking to fill three (3) EL2 vacancies within their Media, Engagement and Communication teams.

The Director Media and Education will:

• Lead development and delivery of the MDBA’s media strategy, including traditional and social media strategies and advice on media handling.
• Oversee the management of daily print, radio and TV media liaison activities, in cooperation with agency staff and relevant partners.
• Oversee the development of media releases, feature articles, speeches, opinion pieces, media responses, talking points and messaging, media briefs and other material.
• Lead MDBA issues management functions, including communications, engagement and media during a crisis.
• Lead development of strategies to raise awareness and understanding of the Murray-Darling Basin and water management.
• Build capability and drive improvements in the media function, provide pastoral care, performance management and learning and development for staff.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a leadership team where inputs are required for teams made of people from across the Branch, the agency and from other agencies.
• Provide strategic advice and support to the agency Executive and media spokespeople.

The Director Engagement will:

• Strengthen the MDBA’s engagement with the community
• Develop and implement the MDBA’s strategic communications and engagement approach, working collaboratively with Media and Communications teams.
• Provide strategic engagement advice and support for the MDBA Executive leadership team.
• Work in collaboration with Australian and state government partners to progress joint initiatives, within formal and informal structures.
• Build and utilise audience insights, research and intelligence for evidence-based engagement activities.
• Lead the development and delivery of the MDBA’s engagement strategies
• Oversee the management of key engagement activities including major events, regional engagement activities, stakeholder meetings, the Regional Engagement Officer Program and the Basin Community Committee
• Build capability and drive improvements in the engagement function, provide pastoral care, performance management and learning and development for staff.
• Demonstrate your ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary leadership team, on shared goals and projects.

The Director Communications will:

• Develop and implement the MDBA’s strategic communications and engagement approach, working collaboratively with Media and Engagement teams.
• Provide strategic advice and support for the MDBA Executive leadership team.
• Work in collaboration with Australian and state government partners to progress joint initiatives, within formal and informal structures.
• Build and utilise audience insights, research and intelligence for evidence-based communication.
• Lead the development and delivery of the MDBA’s internal and external communications strategies and plans for priority programs and projects.
• Lead the management of the MDBA’s internal and external communications channel framework, including MDBA website, intranet, newsletters, publications and proactive one-way channels.
• Oversee an account management relationship model, in addition to busy web management and production function which includes web publishing and in-house graphic design.
• Build capability and drive improvements in the communications function, provide pastoral care, performance management and learning and development for staff.

Our benefits:

We are committed to a flexible and inclusive workplace that will suit you and your individual needs. Joining us means you will contribute your expertise as part of an agile working environment that offers an attractive salary package, including up to 15.4% superannuation. You will also be eligible to receive a wide range of employee benefits, support for flexible working arrangements and have excellent working conditions. We support the professional development of our people, and the chance to try new things across our variety of capabilities and work locations.

Tell me more:

It is easy to apply for a job at the MDBA. Go to www.mdba.gov.au/careers and tell us what makes you the ideal candidate. Take the opportunity to work with the MDBA as we continue to make a difference through the protection and enhancement of the environment.

For more information regarding any of these opportunities contact Jack Knowles, General Manager Communications, Engagement and Strategy on 02 6279 0634.