Nina Macken
Seaforth
Summary
Strategic engagement leader with over 20 years of experience uniting diverse stakeholders to deliver positive urban outcomes. Expert in developing and implementing engagement strategies for complex urban development, policy and infrastructure projects. Proven track record:
- Leading multi-stakeholder consultation processes for major projects
- Building and growing successful engagement practices
- Managing high-performing teams
- Facilitating complex conversations with senior stakeholders
- Delivering innovative engagement solutions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Communications & Engagement
Ethos Urban
05.2016 - Current
- National role with focus on NSW.
- Successfully led engagement for high-profile projects across private, government, and not-for-profit sectors.
- Built strong client relationships, resulting in repeat business and long-term partnerships.
- Expanded practice capabilities and service offerings, strengthening relationships with key government and industry stakeholders.
- Managed and mentored team members, fostering professional growth and team success.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance engagement outcomes and increase industry influence.
- Recognised with the ‘Challenge Ideas, Collaborate on Solutions, Commit to Decisions’ Award and ‘Most Valuable Person’ Award for leadership and impact.
- Chaired high-profile community reference groups and facilitated stakeholder workshops to ensure collaborative outcomes.
- Developed innovative engagement methodologies, establishing best practices in stakeholder consultation.
- Promoted to Director in 2021 and moved to client Cbus Property from 2022 - 2023 before returning.
Senior Strategic Engagement Adviser (contract)
Cbus Property
03.2022 - 04.2023
- Provide strategic counsel to leadership, development and sustainability teams on managing community and stakeholder risks.
- Led stakeholder engagement strategies for major developments.
- Managed stakeholder relationships across government and community sectors.
- Enhanced project outcomes through effective stakeholder engagement strategies.
Stakeholder Relationships Manager
Department of Planning and Environment
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Led development and implementation of the Department’s overarching stakeholder engagement strategy.
- Established the Resources Advisory Forum, significantly strengthening stakeholder relationships and providing robust advice to the Department on complex issues.
- Designed and implemented the Secretary’s stakeholder engagement program including proactive meetings with key stakeholders.
- Provided best practice stakeholder engagement advice across priority projects, including Legislative Updates, establishment of the Greater Sydney Commission, State Environmental Planning Policy reviews, Priority Precincts, Regional and District Plans, and Major Project assessments.
- Strengthened the Department’s brand and reputation by leveraging thought leadership from key figures, including the Chief Planner, Deputy Secretaries, and the NSW Government Architect.
- Managed the growth of stakeholder engagement capability internally and developed program to support 'the year of the community'.
Senior Manager Stakeholder Engagement
Transport for NSW
09.2013 - 08.2015
- Led stakeholder engagement for $2.1 billion CBD and South East Light Rail project.
- Promoted to Senior Manager and appointed as Specialist Advisor for PPP tenders.
- Led key stakeholder engagement forums, including the Sydney Light Rail Roundtable, Business Reference Group, and CBD Business Forum, increasing participation, strengthening advocacy, and briefing 250+ stakeholders to ensure their input was reflected in project decisions.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy, embedding a customer-focused approach into project planning and delivery while mitigating risks and fostering positive relationships.
- Provided expert stakeholder engagement and issues management advice to senior stakeholders.
Previous Roles From 2004 - 2013
Various
02.2004 - 01.2013
- Thought Broker, Senior Consultant (2012-2013)
- Diageo Australia, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager (2011-2012)
- Food and Drink Federation UK, Public Affairs Manager (2010-2011)
- Health Professions Council UK, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Manager (2007-2009)
- Electoral Commission UK, Public Affairs Officer (2006-2007)
- The Centre for Independent Studies, Public Affairs Officer (2004-2006)
Education
Diploma - Public Affairs and Political Communications
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
01.2011
Bachelor of Commerce - Government, International Relations, Economic History
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Majors: Asian Studies And History
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW01.2003
Skills
- Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
- Client Relationship Management
- Business Development
- Project leadership and budget management
- Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Strategic Communications
- Community Consultation
- Workshop Facilitation
- Issues Management & Crisis Communications
- Media Relations
- Industry Engagement & Thought Leadership
- People management
- Partnerships and alliances
Leadership Roles - internal and external
- Committee for Sydney, Philanthropy Sub-Committee Member; Strategic Lead, including Culture Series Sponsorship (2024 - present)
- Property Council of Australia, National Social Sustainability Roundtable Member (2022 - 24)
- Ethos Urban RAP Committee, leadership member (2023 - present)
- Women's Network, leadership contributor (2023 - present)
Mentoring And Leadership - Activities
- Active mentor to emerging professionals – both in planning and engagement teams
- Focus on strategic client relationship building and sales across the business
- Champion of team culture and development
- Industry thought leadership and knowledge sharing - LinkedIn and other professional development platforms (MC for 2024 IAP2 Australasia Conference)
Affiliations
- International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)
- Property Council of Australia
- Committee for Sydney
Professional Development
- Women in Leadership training, Australian Institute of Management (2024 - present)
- Partnership Brokers Training, Partnership Brokers Association (2023)
- IAP2 Facilitating the Tough Stuff (2021)
- IAP2 Australasia Certificate in Engagement (2017)
- Prosci Change Management Certification (2016)
- Risk Communication and Outrage Management (2016)
- The Harwood Institute – Certified Public Innovator (2016)
Timeline
Senior Strategic Engagement Adviser (contract)
Cbus Property
03.2022 - 04.2023
Director, Communications & Engagement
Ethos Urban
05.2016 - Current
Stakeholder Relationships Manager
Department of Planning and Environment
08.2015 - 05.2016
Senior Manager Stakeholder Engagement
Transport for NSW
09.2013 - 08.2015
Previous Roles From 2004 - 2013
Various
02.2004 - 01.2013
Diploma - Public Affairs and Political Communications
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Bachelor of Commerce - Government, International Relations, Economic History
University of Sydney
Bachelor of Arts - Majors: Asian Studies And History
University of Sydney
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