Join our team: Senior Project Coordinator – Resilience

Hunter Joint Organisation

Location: Thornton, NSW

Type: Full time preferred but negotiable, initially a contract to February 2028.

Salary: $122,000-$132,000 full time equivalent (inclusive of vehicle allowance or EV subscription)

Plus superannuation at 12% of the salary component

About the role

Join a collaborative and dynamic organisation dedicated to serving the local communities of the Hunter region.  This role offers:

• Job Satisfaction: Contribute to shaping and building the region’s future resilience.
• Networking Opportunities: Engage with local councils, state and federal governments, research institutions, businesses, and community groups on key regional priorities.
• Career Growth in the local government sector: Secondments from local government employees considered.
• Competitive Salary: Attractive remuneration package.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work arrangements, based in the beautiful Hunter Region of NSW.

Hunter JO values flexibility and welcomes applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, secondment or other flexible arrangements. We are focused on finding the right person and are open to discussing how the role can work best for both the successful candidate and the organisation.

Do you want to make a difference for the Hunter region?

The Hunter Joint Organisation (Hunter JO) is the statutory organisation of the ten Councils of the Hunter region of New South Wales that facilitates the collaborative delivery of strategic advocacy and program outcomes for the entire region. For more information visit our website –  https://www.hunterjo.nsw.gov.au/

The Senior Project Coordinator position is a key role in the organisation, in which you will be responsible for managing projects that help shape and advance the shared priorities for the region. The role will:

• Coordinate and lead delivery of regional disaster resilience, climate adaptation and other relevant initiatives across the Hunter and Central Coast through Hunter Joint Organisation and partner organisations
• Work closely with member councils, the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water and other NSW Government agencies to deliver collaborative projects and strengthen regional capability and capacity
• Deliver stakeholder engagement, research, analysis and project planning to translate policy and regional priorities into practical tools and outcomes for councils and their communities
• Develop project proposals, briefing papers, advocacy submissions, grant applications, newsletters and strategic communications to support project delivery, keep stakeholders informed and strengthen advocacy on regional priorities

For more information on the position and to view the selection criteria, please click here.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Thrives on collaboration and stakeholder engagement and can work effectively across local government, NSW Government and regional partners to deliver shared resilience outcomes
• Is confident in coordinating projects and turning complex policy, disaster resilience and climate adaptation priorities into practical initiatives that support councils and communities
• Brings strong administration, planning, reporting and communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear advice, engage stakeholders and manage projects from concept through to delivery
• Values a supportive yet autonomous work environment where you can build strong partnerships, manage diverse priorities and contribute to long-term regional resilience outcomes

It is an exciting time to join the Hunter JO with many opportunities facing the region.

Along with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience, to succeed in this role, you should have:

• Demonstrated experience in project management, including project administration, engagement and management of consultants, contracts, budgets, and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to confidently liaise with a wide variety of internal and external partners.
• Experience in facilitating groups, including organising, delivering, and documenting outcomes from meetings, forums, and workshops.

About Hunter JO’s Resilience program

Hunter JO’s Disaster Resilience Program supports member councils and their communities adapt and build resilience to the impacts of more frequent and severe natural hazards, extreme weather and climate change.

Our project ‘Disaster Resilience Capacity Building for the Hunter and Central Coast’ has been funded under Round 2 of the Disaster Ready Fund. It aims to build disaster resilience capacity and capability within member councils and their communities through supporting development of a regional Disaster Adaptation Plan, embedding resilience into councils’ IP&R framework, facilitating regional resilience networks and supporting community engagement.

Other activities which are supported under the Resilience program include:

• Embedding climate risk in councils’ enterprise risk management frameworks
• Simtables – community engagement tools for bushfire and other hazard preparedness
• Integrating resilience and climate change concepts into councils’ Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) processes
• Regional advocacy submissions on relevant topics
• Other capacity building support for councils

How to Apply

Please email your application to Bonnie Gradwell at admin@hunterjo.nsw.gov.au. Please note that to be considered applications must include the following:

• A short cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the key requirements outlined in the ‘About You’ section.
  • Please focus on providing practical examples of relevant projects, stakeholder engagement activities, facilitation experience and other achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
  • We recognise that candidates may bring relevant experience from a range of sectors and encourage applications from people who may not meet every requirement but can demonstrate transferable skills and a strong ability to contribute.
• Up to date Resume / Curriculum Vitae.

Applications close at 1pm Monday 15 June 2026.

We encourage applications as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed progressively and we may commence interviews prior to the closing date.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking full-time, part-time, secondment or other flexible working arrangements. If you are interested in the role but would like to discuss alternative arrangements, we encourage you to apply or contact us for a confidential discussion.

We may establish a talent pool from this recruitment process for future vacancies or similar opportunities. If you would like to be considered for future opportunities with Hunter JO, please indicate this in your application.

If you have specific questions related to the role, please contact Tim Askew, Director of Programs on 0436 420623 or at tima@hunterjo.nsw.gov.au.

We are an equal opportunity employer – we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Our aim is to provide all staff with an inclusive, safe, and healthy working environment, and we encourage applications from all members of the community.

We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and recognise their continuing connection and contribution. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future.