Department for Housing and Urban Development
Job reference: 841809
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Who are we:

Our department’s primary objective is the delivery of homes and housing options for South Australians. In response to the national housing crisis, we are committed to accelerating the build of a diverse range of housing options. We strive to find solutions to the urgent demand for housing security. Our mission focuses on coordinating various portfolios related to housing, housing infrastructure, urban development, and planning. By ensuring sound decisions and efficient management, we strive to create sustainable, well-planned communities offering safe and affordable housing options.

Join us in our endeavour to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time and make a tangible difference in the lives of our community.

The Role:

Community and stakeholder engagement is an integral part of the state’s planning system. Effective engagement builds trust and confidence in the planning system and directly influences decision-making. The department’s Engagement team is focused on delivering strategies that are authentic, inclusive and fit-for-purpose.

The primary purpose of the Engagement and Communications Specialist is to deliver community and stakeholder engagement strategies for the department and the State Planning Commission. The position will develop bespoke engagement plans for each project, executing the plan through the application of best practice principles and providing analysis of community and stakeholder feedback. The position will work closely with the Planning and Building directorate to support successful delivery of changes to the Planning and Design Code and implementation of the Government of South Australia planning policy. You will hold the following responsibilities:

• Develop and execute impactful engagement and communications strategies.
• Provide high level writing and editorial services including publications, articles, fact sheets, online copy, newsletters, traditional media and social media content.
• Prepare reporting on statutory engagement processes to help inform decision-making.
• Provide expert communications and engagement advice to support delivery of projects internally and externally.

About You:

Experience across the following key capabilities will support success in this role and will be highly regarded:

• Experience in preparing and delivering engagement strategies for a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience in government or planning environment
• Experience working in a politically sensitive environment
• Experience in fostering and maintaining professional working relationships with stakeholders to understand and meet their requirements, standards and expectations.
• Experience in managing competing priorities whilst delivering quality outcomes.

Desirable Qualification:

• Knowledge of IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum along with qualifications and/or membership of IAP2.
• Demonstrated confidence in public speaking and facilitating engagement workshops and other engagement activities (like drop-in discussions).

Special Conditions

Successful applicants may be required to obtain a satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check prior to employment. A renewal will be required every 2 years.

Remuneration:

ASO6 – $102,171 min – $108,071 max plus superannuation.

Enquiries:

For all confidential enquiries, please contact Steven Murphy, Head of Engagement and Communications (Planning and Building) at steven.murphy2@sa.gov.au  or telephone  0413842932.

Application Instructions:

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a covering letter (no more than 2 pages), outlining your skills and experience in relation to the key capabilities outlined in the role statement, a current CV and the contact information of three referees including your current line manager.

All applicants must complete a ‘Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector’ form.

Applications close: 03/05/2026 6:00 PM

Attachments:
- ASO6 - Engagement and Communications Specialist - DHUD Role Statement -.pdf
- Pre-Employment Declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.