Eleanor Smith-Waters

Project Communications and Engagement Contractor

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

About

I am a communications and engagement professional with a powerful combination of skills in communications + marketing + engineering + community engagement + stakeholder relations + project management. I started my career in engineering, attracted by the prospect of solving challenging problems and creating infrastructure to improve people’s lives. I realised that best practice and innovative technology weren’t enough. Sustainable businesses require engaged customers and stakeholders and viable profits. This realisation marked the beginning of a long career with tier one and government organisations in communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Both creative and strategic, I bring a fresh approach. My unique value-add is my 3 lens approach: ▪️Customer Desirability – I identify customer needs and value drivers throughout the customer journey to strongly position brands, craft compelling communications and provide the best possible customer experience. ▪️Business Feasibility – Drawing on my business acumen and analytical side, I ground strategy and initiatives in a strong business case. With my entrepreneurial mindset, I challenge the status quo and bring about change through bluesky strategies. ▪️Technical viability – Using my engineering and project management knowledge, I interpret and translate technical information into compelling marketing communications. I am skilled at building relationships with stakeholders and working with them to balance competing priorities and stakeholders needs to deliver on time and in budget.

Experience

  • Principal Communications Advisor Infrastructure at City of Stonnington
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

  • Project Communications and Engagement Advisor at Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Communications and Engagement Advisor at Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
    Sep 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

    Stakeholder and community engagement for mine rehabilitation projects.

  • Communications and Engagement Advisor at Melbourne Water
    May 2024 - Apr 2025 · 1 yr

  • Senior Communications Avisor, victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCCA) at Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)
    Feb 2024 - May 2024 · 4 mos

    Developed and implemented communications plans for the secondary schools Rolled out new communications channels strategy Launched new newsletter. Wrote copy for various channels tailored for stakeholders eg principles, teachers, students, school communities eg operational changes, new VOC campaign, VOC campaign, VCE Season of Excellence