General Manager, Corporate & Public Affairs

High Speed Rail Authority | SES Band 1 | Newcastle or Sydney. Shape the public narrative for Australia's High Speed Rail. Senior leadership role leading corporate affairs, internal communications and public affairs for a nationally significant project. Build and protect the Authority's reputation through the Development Phase of the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project. Reporting to the Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Communications & Engagement.

About the High Speed Rail Authority

The Australian Government is planning a future high speed rail network to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia.

The High Speed Rail Authority (the Authority) is an independent corporate Commonwealth entity governed by an independent board, established to lead the development and delivery of high speed rail.

The Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project will connect the two cities in around one hour on a dedicated high speed railway. From the Central Coast it will take around 30 minutes to get to Newcastle or to Sydney. With the project now in the Development Phase, the Authority is building the leadership team to develop and deliver this generational program.

High speed rail will contribute to key Australian Government priorities, including increased economic productivity, new housing options, and regional economic and tourism development zero.

About the role

The primary purpose of this role is to lead and integrate the Authority's internal and public communications functions during the Development Phase, driving strategic alignment, supporting organisational transformation and building public trust.

The role ensures consistent, high impact messaging across internal channels, media and stakeholder engagement, strengthening executive decision making and protecting the Authority's reputation as the organisation grows and the program advances.

What you'll lead

• Lead internal and change communication strategies that support organisational transformation and executive leadership priorities, coordinating messaging across divisions and building internal narratives that reinforce project milestones.
• Develop strategic communication frameworks that align with complex organisational goals, policy environments and stakeholder expectations, supported by performance metrics that evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead a high performing communications team to deliver integrated public affair and media
• Direct the creation and approval of media releases, responses and public statements, managing critical issues and protecting corporate reputation.
• Oversee end to end campaigns, public education initiatives and behaviour change programs informed by stakeholder research and data led insights.
• Build the Authority's social media presence and digital profile through proactive content strategies that enhance visibility and public trust.
• Oversee brand management frameworks, public events and executive speaking engagements that advance the Authority's strategic objectives.
• Provide functional expertise and guidance at Executive and Board level, aligning communications and engagement activity with legislative, regulatory and political contexts.
  
  

About you

We are seeking a senior corporate affairs and communications executive with the judgement to operate in a high profile, politically sensitive environment. Specifically, you bring:

• Proven experience leading internal and change communications through periods of transformation, reform or rapid organisational growth.
• Experience gained on major infrastructure, transport or other large scale delivery programs, whether in government, a delivery authority or an industry partner.
• The ability to design communication strategies that align complex organisational goals, policy settings and stakeholder expectations, and to evaluate their impact using evidence based methods.
• Depth in high profile media relations, issues management and ministerial communications, with the ability to craft narratives that reflect organisational values and respond to emerging risk.
• Experience overseeing public education and behaviour change campaigns across diverse platforms and audiences.
• The ability to translate technical information into clear strategic advice for executives, boards and the public.
• A track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, building capability and creating an environment of high performance.
  
  

Eligibility

Employment with the Authority is subject to the conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen & hold a degree or equivalent working experience.
• Hold or be able to obtain a Baseline security clearance & satisfy a National Police check (mandatory pre-employment screening).
  
  

RecruitAbility

The High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and supporting the employment of people with disability.

As a participating agency in the APS RecruitAbility Scheme, HSRA will progress applicants with disability to a further stage of the recruitment process where they choose to opt into RecruitAbility and demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements of the role.

If you would like to participate in RecruitAbility, please indicate this when submitting your application.

HSRA is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates have an equitable opportunity to participate. Adjustments may include modifications to the recruitment process, accessible formats, specialist equipment, or other practical supports. If you require any adjustments, please include this information in your application or contact the nominated contact officer to discuss your needs.

For further information about the RecruitAbility Scheme, please visit the APS RecruitAbility Scheme Guide for Applicants.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Before preparing your application for the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), please read APSC’s Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

These principles are designed to support the responsible use of AI throughout the recruitment process, while ensuring fairness, transparency and the integrity of merit-based selection. They provide clear guidance on how AI may be used to assist with your application, as well as outlining the types of AI use that are not appropriate in APS recruitment processes.

Candidates are expected to comply with these principles and maintain the authenticity and integrity of their application at all stages of the recruitment process.

Next Steps

Applications close on Tuesday 6^th Oct 11.59pm AEDT.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a suitability statement via this advertisement.

A full position description is available to download on www.robertwalters.com.au/hsra.html or via request to the details below.