Senior Program Officer - Get Ready

• Oversee a nationally significant disaster preparedness initiative and help build more resilient communities across NSW through strategic communications, partnerships and community engagement.
• Temporary, full-time opportunity up to September 2029 with the Coordination and Engagement Division.
• Role can be based in Parramatta/Sydney or at one of our approved RA offices by negotiation, with flexible work options and hybrid arrangements available.
• Clerk 9/10, salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 - $146,945 + super.

About the role

The Senior Program Officer - Get Ready plays a critical role in delivering the NSW Reconstruction Authority's commitments under the National Get Ready Project, a nationwide effort to strengthen disaster preparedness. Building on the successful Get Ready Queensland model, this landmark initiative will establish a nationally coordinated approach to community preparedness while enabling tailored local action to improve resilience and disaster readiness.

As a key member of the team, you will coordinate the development and delivery of strategic risk awareness and community preparedness programs across NSW. Working with government agencies, councils, community organisations, non-government partners and industry stakeholders, you will drive communications, engagement and behaviour change initiatives that empower communities to better prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering risk awareness and community preparedness communication strategies and programs that align with NSW Government objectives and community needs.
• Supporting the delivery of NSW commitments under the National Get Ready initiative, including campaigns, partnerships, community activations, digital platforms and community preparedness research.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, councils, community groups, NGOs, industry representatives and subject matter experts.
• Developing behaviour change objectives and preparedness initiatives that drive meaningful community action and resilience outcomes.
• Designing and implementing practical preparedness approaches that support diverse communities, including vulnerable and high-risk cohorts.
• Supporting the development and delivery of integrated communication and marketing strategies that promote disaster preparedness across NSW.
• Overseeing the creation, review and distribution of campaign materials and resources, ensuring consistency with branding requirements and National Get Ready objectives.
• Collaborating with communications and engagement specialists to support the ongoing development and maintenance of websites and digital engagement platforms.
• Identifying, securing and managing sponsorship, advertising and promotional opportunities to extend program reach and impact.
• Managing procurement activities, contracts and supplier relationships associated with campaign and program delivery.
• Planning and delivering national and state-based events, workshops, meetings and conferences to promote preparedness and strengthen stakeholder collaboration.
• Monitoring program performance and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.

About You
You are a strategic communications and engagement professional with a passion for community resilience and public impact. You bring strong stakeholder management skills, a collaborative approach and the ability to translate complex information into meaningful campaigns and initiatives that inspire action.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in senior communications, marketing, engagement or program delivery roles.
• Proven success developing and delivering strategic communication, engagement and behaviour change initiatives.
• Experience managing integrated marketing campaigns across digital, community and stakeholder channels.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build productive relationships across government, community, industry and non-government sectors.
• Experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to develop strategic content, campaign materials, reports and briefing documents.
• Experience overseeing the development and delivery of digital communication products and online engagement platforms.
• Knowledge of branding, campaign management and audience engagement principles.
• Strong project management, planning and organisational skills.
• Experience managing procurement processes, contracts, sponsorships or service providers will be highly regarded.
• An understanding of disaster preparedness, emergency management, community resilience or risk communication principles.
• The ability to tailor communication and engagement approaches to meet the needs of diverse communities and audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data, research and stakeholder insights to inform program development.
• A collaborative and adaptable mindset with a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for communities.

Essential requirements:

• Knowledge and understanding of emergency management arrangements and associated NSW legislation, or the ability to quickly build this understanding.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in project management or communications and engagement, to develop, drive and implement relevant strategies and programs.
• Familiarity with community development principles and best practices, and approaches for capturing and integrating community context in strategies and programs.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Australia's most significant disaster preparedness initiatives and play a leading role in helping communities across NSW become more informed, connected and resilient in the face of future disasters.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Program Officer – Get Ready. If you cannot access a copy of the Role Description, please contact ***************@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

About the Agency
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (the RA) is an executive agency of the Premier’s Department. The RA will improve how NSW plans for disasters and help communities to recover from them faster.

To reduce the severity and impacts of disasters, the RA will complete critical planning and preparation with communities, businesses, and government. When disaster does strike, we will get recovery started swiftly and coordinate reconstruction efforts across agencies, communities, and other stakeholders.

Joining our team with a rewarding job in a community-driven agency is just the start. The RA also offers:

• Flexible working practices
• Contemporary workspaces and technology
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing program (with a cool app)
• Workforce that values inclusion
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Fitness Passport with a choice of 200+ gyms and pools across NSW

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role, detailing your relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications close 4:00pm, Wednesday 9 September 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Xanthe Foster, Manager Program Strategy via *************@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au or call 0448 303 ***.

Our Commitment

Great people come from all walks of life. At NSW Reconstruction Authority we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote gender diversity in our workplaces, the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the employment of people with a disability, veterans and other diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background or sexual orientation. 

Additional Information

 The recruitment process may include a range of assessments including interview, psychometric assessments, work sample activities and pre-employment checks as required.

Looking for more information or assistance with applying?

We encourage and support applications from people with a disability. If you require an adjustment to the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including information in an alternate format or an alternate method of submission of the application) please contact the Talent Team via ***************@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au or 0461 373 *** and reference the Job Title and Reference Number for the role in which you are requesting the adjustment.

Recruitment Pool

A recruitment pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that become available over the next 18 months.