Community Engagement Manager M3R

Lead impactful community engagement for Melbourne Airport's third runway, shaping the future while building strong stakeholder relationships.

Melbourne Airport is embarking on one of its most significant projects to date—the development of its third runway (M3R) and associated airport expansion initiatives. To support this transformational endeavour, we are seeking a skilled and dynamic Community Engagement Manager to lead our engagement strategies and build meaningful connections with our local community and stakeholders.

This newly created position will play a pivotal role in ensuring Melbourne Airport meets its commitments to community engagement while delivering the M3R project. As part of the Public Affairs team within the Strategy, Planning and Community business unit, the role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a team of two and deliver innovative, effective, and transparent engagement programs.

Discover how Melbourne Airport is thinking big with exciting projects like the third Runway, state-of-the-art terminals, and thriving business park developments —watch our video to see the future take flight: https://youtu.be/Sjn21l0hz1Q

Key responsibilities:

The role's duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement the community engagement strategy for key initiatives, including the Noise Sharing Plan, Noise Amelioration Plan, and Major Development Plans (MDPs) for the third runway and Eastern Extension Project.
• Oversee tools and activities for community engagement, such as inbox management, phone support, the virtual visitor centre, QR code-enabled community trailers, portable noise monitors, newsletters, and website updates.
• Act as the primary liaison and lead updates at key forums, including the Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG) and the Advocates for Aviation Growth Committee (AAGC), while maintaining governance and reporting standards.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local councils and state/federal departments to promote awareness of M3R project conditions and facilitate timely responses.
• Partner with Airservices Australia and other project suppliers to align on engagement standards and execute successful community initiatives.
• Organise and manage community pop-ups (including occasional after-hours or weekend activities, with time in lieu provided).
• Present regular reports and updates to internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, councils, and community groups.

The successful candidate will have:

You’ll bring a strong background in community engagement, communications, or stakeholder management, coupled with a strategic mindset and the ability to foster positive relationships. Your experience in high-profile infrastructure or transport projects will make you a valuable contributor to our mission of delivering transformative outcomes for Melbourne Airport.

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, project management, or a similar field (IAP2 Certificate of Engagement desirable).
• Proven expertise in translating complex technical information for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, particularly managing sensitive or complex negotiations with stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of government and community participation principles.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar role, ideally within infrastructure, transport, energy, or related sectors.
• Proficiency in project management fundamentals and the ability to deliver within deadlines.

We understand that not everyone will feel they meet all of these 100%. However, if you feel you have the attitude and aptitude to grow within our team, we invite you to apply and have a conversation with us about this position.

About the Company:

Melbourne Airport (Australia Pacific Airports Corporation) is proud to be one of Australia's premier transport hubs and Victoria's gateway to the world, connecting us to the global marketplace. We are committed to creating connections that matter and enhancing the traveller experience across every aspect of our organisation to deliver our vision of becoming Australia's favourite Airport destination. Currently, in an exciting phase of change, we are delivering rewarding career opportunities, making Melbourne Airport a dynamic and fast-paced place to work for our people.

APAC is a majority Australian-owned private company that also operates Launceston Airport, the tourism gateway to Tasmania and an industry multi-award-winning airport.

Culture and Values:

By joining the team at Melbourne Airport, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on our people and their development.

Our vision is to become Australia's favourite Airport destination and our people are paramount to achieving this success. We provide a supportive environment, with values that encourage all of our employees to Be You, Think Big, Own it and Work Together.

Benefits:

• Free access to Higher State, our state-of-the-art Fitness Club & Wellness Hub at Novotel & ibis Styles Airport hotel.
• Airport car parking 24 hours/365 days a year for both business and personal use
• Hybrid flexible working arrangements
• Airport Holiday, an additional day of leave
• Wellness Day, a further additional day of leave
• Discounted onsite childcare at Creative Garden Early Learning
• Mental health and well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term career and professional development opportunities
• Active social culture and participation in a range of social impact days and activities
• Signature Experiences including an airfield family day, and kids’ footy day 
• Access to an employee benefits scheme including access to corporate rates and airport retailer discounts (including SkyBus)

APAC is committed to weaving Diversity into our DNA. We believe that Diversity and Inclusion will help us realise our greatest potential as a company, and maximise the potential of all our team members. We strive to create a culture where our team members understand that each individual is unique and that embracing diversity makes us more flexible, productive, and creative.

APAC provides equal opportunity and advancement in employment regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, caring responsibilities, disability or socioeconomic background. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our workplace values of Being You, Thinking Big, Owning It and Working Together.