Executive Manager Partnerships & Communication

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and highly motivated individual to join the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) as the Executive Manager, Partnerships and Communication.

• Are you passionate about working with people to achieve environmental and community outcomes?
• Do you have experience in leading teams, providing authoritative advice, building partnerships and effective communication skills?
• Do you want to experience a collaborative culture where your efforts are valued and your growth is encouraged?

The VEWH is an independent statutory body responsible for managing Victoria’s environmental water entitlements, in cooperation with program partners, to improve the environmental health of rivers and wetlands.

The successful applicant will lead the Partnerships and Communication Team. They will be responsible for strengthening constructive partnerships with Traditional Owners, waterway managers, policy makers, storage managers, land managers and other environmental water holders, and relationships with stakeholders. The Executive Manager will drive positive change to support Traditional Owners’ self-determination in environmental water management and strengthen the communication and reporting of the environmental, cultural, social and recreational benefits of environmental water. They will oversee public communication of the work of the VEWH and outcomes of the broader environmental watering program across Victoria. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and supporting the decision-making of the VEWH Commission, this role will suit someone with leadership experience, a collaborative mindset and knowledge of environmental water management in Victoria.

Key elements of this role are to:

• Lead the Partnerships and Communication team to oversee the production of high-quality public documents and the implementation and review of a communications and engagement strategy.
• Create and support opportunities for Traditional Owner self-determination in environmental water management by working with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal peak bodies and other program partners to identify and implement pathways for change to further Traditional Owner objectives for planning and managing the delivery of environmental water to heal Country.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the many partner organisations who contribute to the environmental watering program and the key stakeholders who are interested in the program’s environmental outcomes or associated community benefits.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification or an equivalent accreditation or working/industry experience in a relevant field (e.g. natural resource management, communication, behaviour change, community engagement or public relations/affairs) is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of water entitlements, policy, catchment management and/or environmental flows in Victoria and the Murray-Darling Basin is desired.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and society and ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people is desired.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. 

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.