Shaylee Cowan
Brisbane
Summary
Community and stakeholder engagement specialist with over 15 years of experience leading impactful social performance initiatives across the mining, infrastructure, and government sectors. Renowned for fostering authentic partnerships with First Nations communities while adeptly navigating complex issues with empathy and effectiveness. A strategic communicator recognized for protecting corporate reputation and amplifying grassroots voices, skilled in building trust and securing social licenses to operate. Committed to aligning business objectives with genuine community benefits, driven by purpose and empowered by empathy to enable meaningful engagement with communities.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Director
RPS
11.2021 - Current
- Lead communication and stakeholder engagement strategies across major infrastructure programs
- Advocate for diversity and inclusion through leadership roles and mentoring
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to define long-term business strategies and goals.
- Evaluated and improved existing workflows, resulting in enhanced productivity across departments.
- Led teams of up to [Number] personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
- Established strong relationships with key industry partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Reviewed proposed regulatory changes and evaluated potential impacts on business operations.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Senior Consultant, Stakeholder Engagement
Arup
07.2019 - 11.2021
- Delivered engagement strategies across urban infrastructure projects
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Transurban (Contract)
09.2017 - 06.2019
- Led communications on major projects: Gateway Upgrade North, Clem7, Legacy Way
Senior Advisor, Communications & Engagement
CPB Contractors
03.2016 - 09.2017
- Oversaw engagement on New Generation Rollingstock and Logan Enhancement Project
Corporate Affairs Advisor (Mining)
Downer (Contract)
05.2015 - 03.2016
- Developed strategic messaging for mining sector operations
Community Relations Coordinator
Leighton Contractors
06.2012 - 05.2015
- Supported public engagement on key WA infrastructure programs
Program Coordinator, Stakeholder Engagement
Queensland Government - Department of Transport and Main Roads
09.2011 - 05.2012
- Managed stakeholder engagement and communications for regional transport initiatives
Account Executive
In the Pink PR & Redblue Introductions
01.2011 - 09.2011
- Delivered media and public relations campaigns for lifestyle clients
Promotions & Recruitment Officer
CQUniversity
05.2009 - 09.2011
- Led marketing initiatives to boost student engagement
Education
Bachelor of eJournalism - Professional Communications
CQUniversity
01.2009
Sustainability and Social Impact - short course
RMIT Online
02.2023
Certificate IV - Frontline Management
NOST
01.2015
Skills
- Strategic development
- Social impact strategy development
- Relationship building with stakeholders
- Reputation management
- Equity and inclusion advocacy
- Effective risk messaging
- Policy compliance
- Community engagement expertise
- Collaboration with First Nations
- Local engagement strategies
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Advocacy
- Multicultural Collaboration
- Regulatory compliance awareness
Certification
- Certificate in Social Media Accessibility — Vision Australia (2022-11)
- Certificate in Advanced Social Media & Strategy — The Creative Collective (2017-03)
- Certificate in Engagement — Engagement Institute
- Connector Certification — MATES in Construction
Timeline
Associate Director
RPS
11.2021 - Current
Senior Consultant, Stakeholder Engagement
Arup
07.2019 - 11.2021
Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Transurban (Contract)
09.2017 - 06.2019
Senior Advisor, Communications & Engagement
CPB Contractors
03.2016 - 09.2017
Corporate Affairs Advisor (Mining)
Downer (Contract)
05.2015 - 03.2016
Community Relations Coordinator
Leighton Contractors
06.2012 - 05.2015
Program Coordinator, Stakeholder Engagement
Queensland Government - Department of Transport and Main Roads
09.2011 - 05.2012
Account Executive
In the Pink PR & Redblue Introductions
01.2011 - 09.2011
Promotions & Recruitment Officer
CQUniversity
05.2009 - 09.2011
Sustainability and Social Impact - short course
RMIT Online
Certificate IV - Frontline Management
NOST
Bachelor of eJournalism - Professional Communications
CQUniversity
Section name
- [Your Name] [Your Address] [Email]
- [Phone]
- [Date]
- [Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address]
- Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
- I’m writing to express my interest in the Communities and Social Performance Lead role at [Company Name]. With more than 15 years of experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and social impact across mining, infrastructure, and government sectors, I bring a grounded understanding of what it takes to build genuine relationships that lead to lasting change.
- Throughout my career, I've led strategic engagement initiatives that protect corporate reputation while delivering real value for communities. I have worked closely with First Nations stakeholders to shape inclusive, respectful partnerships — ensuring outcomes that reflect cultural priorities while aligning with business goals. My work with organisations like Downer, CPB Contractors, and the Infrastructure Association of Queensland has taught me the importance of listening first, then acting with integrity and care.
- I am passionate about helping organisations earn and maintain their social license to operate — not through surface-level consultation, but through honest, two-way engagement and advocacy. Whether managing sensitive communications in high-profile projects or fostering internal cultures of inclusion, I approach my work with empathy, clarity, and strategy.
- I’d welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience, leadership, and collaborative spirit to [Company Name]'s next chapter. I’ve attached my CV for your review and would be delighted to discuss how I can support your commitment to community outcomes and positive impact.
- Thank you for considering my application.
- Warm regards, Shaylee Cowan