About the role
We are seeking a Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications to join the team at our North West Program Alliance (NWPA) based in Albion.
This role supports the Melton Level Crossing Removal Project, the Melton Line Upgrade and the Sunshine Superhub (Metro package).
The role leads a team of communications professionals working on these projects and develops, supports and provides strategic advice on communication and engagement, in an issues-rich and complex environment. The role will work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to drive project strategies and ensure they are successfully delivered.
In this role you will
- Provide authoritative and strategic advice on multiple projects issues to departmental executives, Ministerial Advisors, and other internal teams.
- Managing and developing compelling and high-quality communications plans and materials – strong written communication skills are needed for this.
- Develop and foster an effective working relationship between the relevant internal and external cross –agency teams to ensure an integrated approach to public affairs, media liaison and communications matters. You’ll build understanding and support for the project whilst maintaining relationships with government agencies, stakeholder groups, local councils, and the community.
- Provide active leadership and management across the Communications and Stakeholder Relations team. You’ll lead a team and provide coaching, development and support as needed.
- Lead the communications team in proactively identifying and responding promptly to issues and risks associated with the project and developing mitigation strategies in consultation with senior management as required.
We like to work together when it makes sense, so when working from the office you will find yourself in workshops, brainstorms, and real life catch ups with people as you build rapport with your key stakeholders across the business and within the industry.
The role report of Ali O’Shea (Deputy Director, Stakeholder Relations & Communications who has worked in communications for 20 years and worked in major infrastructure for more than eight years across government and the private sector.
The role is a 3-year fixed term position, paying a salary between $138,631 - $185,518 plus superannuation with hybrid working arrangement (a mix of office and home/remote based working).
On a weekly basis you’ll work two days from the Albion office (Monday and Wednesday), one day from 121 Exhibition Street (Thursday) or project site offices with the remaining days working from home.
About you
You are someone who thrives in a varied role. You effectively interact with different stakeholders and influencing outcomes.
Let’s get technical – what skills do we expect you to have?
- Leading and building High Performing Teams – Provide feedback on performance, effectively resolve conflict and support the team by being approachable and adopting a coaching and mentoring mindset.
- Issues management - you have a fine-tuned ‘risk radar’ and are well accustomed to identifying potential risks and developing communications and engagement strategies to mitigate them.
- Effective Communication – Effectively and consistently prioritising work, a stronger writer and delivering key accountabilities.
- Extensive experience in communications and media management – you are always looking for communication opportunities and good news stories that promote the benefits of the project for our communities.
- Continuous Improvement – Improve existing processes by adopting more efficient ways of doing of work.
- Strategic & Commercial Mindset – A big picture mindset with the ability to understand the environment and the complexities of our project.
- Influencing & Negotiating – Ability to create buy in, agreement and support with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Visionary & Inspiring – Create a sense of vision and direction and inspire others to achieve high performance and deliver project goals.
- A relevant tertiary qualification and experience in a project-based communications and/or stakeholder relations capacity.
- Experience managing the interface with project construction teams on communications and stakeholder relations issues would be highly regarded.
At VIDA Rail we embrace diversity and inclusion. We actively strive to remove barriers and encourage applications from people of any age, or disability, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse or LGBTIQA+. We will make adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure that you are able to participate to the best of your ability.
About VIDA Rail
At VIDA Rail we’re not only removing level crossings but also removing barriers and creating a long lasting legacy for our communities.
Inclusion is a priority for us, and we are committed to creating an employee community that reflects those in which we work. We value diverse representation at all levels of the organisation.
As leaders in the transport sector, we provide secure pathways into the industry for:
- Women
- People who identify as LGBTQIA+
- People living with a disability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- People facing barriers to employment.
We offer and encourage flexible work and purchased leave arrangements for all employees to support wellbeing, family or carer commitments and other personal circumstances.
We also place great importance on professional development and growth through both formal training opportunities and lessons learnt.
Health, safety and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. We aim to create a safe and healthy workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere.
What next?
To apply – just submit your CV. No need to submit a separate address of the core capabilities, and no need for a cover letter.
Upon applying you will be asked to answer the following (assessed) questions:
- This role manages a team. We would love to know a bit more about your leadership/people management experience, please provide us with a high-level overview. (Max 200 words).
- How do you ensure that strategic business goals and expectations are clearly communicated to your team? (Max 200 words)
- Relationships are super important in this role. What does the word relationships mean to you, and how do you embody this in the workplace? (Max 200 words).
After assessing your CV and answers to the above questions, the next steps will be a phone screen, followed by an interview in mid-January where you can showcase your skills and potential.
Please note: the successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which include national police checks and misconduct screening.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa to be eligible to apply.
Need more information?
Click here to view the position description.
Please note, interviews will take place mid to late January 2026.
Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 14th December 2025.
For specifics about the recruitment process entailed, or a confidential discussion around any special accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process you may need in order to participate to the best of your ability, contact Daniel Fedyshyn (Senior Talent Acquisition Adviser) via LinkedIn.
Visit us: levelcrossings.vic.gov.au