Program Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Partnerships

The Program Manager, Strategy and Stakeholder Partnerships plays a key role in delivering the Region’s strategic stakeholder partnerships approach and supporting the integrated, place-based delivery of DEECA priorities.

The role works with the Regional Manager to translate strategy into action, providing stakeholder, program and issues management support across regional teams, statewide portfolios and DEECA Groups. This includes building effective relationships with Traditional Owner Corporations, local government, land managers, industry and community stakeholders, and supporting meaningful two-way engagement aligned to the DEECA Community Charter.

The role is responsible for leading and delivering projects and programs with significant stakeholder interface, ensuring that stakeholder insights, regional context and emerging issues are identified, understood and incorporated into engagement approaches, advice and delivery.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Program Manager contributes to the development of engagement strategies, prepares high-quality briefings and materials, and supports the proactive management of stakeholder issues and risks to enable coordinated and effective delivery of government priorities in the region.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading and delivering projects or programs with multiple stakeholders and partnerships, including managing timelines, priorities and outcomes.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into practical actions, including implementing stakeholder engagement or partnership approaches.
• Well-developed written and verbal strategic communication skills.​
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships and apply stakeholder insights to improve delivery and outcomes.
• Experience working within a government or public sector environment, or a strong understanding of how government priorities and processes influence delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, practical advice and outputs.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively across teams, functions and stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within the Loddon Mallee Region with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact [email protected].

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.