Mark Skelsey work history
Professional ​
info​​
Mark is a dedicated and enthusiastic media and communications executive, with extensive experience in:
-
Strategic and corporate communications
-
Journalism
-
Online communications and social media
-
Community and stakeholder engagement
-
Public affairs
-
Internal communications
-
Team leadership and change
-
Events
Work​
experience​
October 2016-
FOUNDER
StoryPower
November 2014 - September 2016
DIRECTOR, Media and Communications – NSW Department of Industry
Mark was appointed Acting Director in November 2014 and then successfully applied for the Director’s role, beginning in February 2015.
In June 2015, NSW Trade & Investment became known as the NSW Department of Industry. Was the communications lead for the Economic, Skills and Regional Development Division of the Department (one of three Departmental Divisions).
​
The Division is responsible for creating a fertile business environment and skilled workforce in NSW, including encouraging the start-up and digital innovation sector to grow. Mark led a team of ten responsible for all aspects of the Division’s communications including:
-
Media liaison
-
Strategic communications planning and delivery
-
Digital and social media
February 2014 - November 2014
PROJECT DIRECTOR, Sustainable Planning – Kathy Jones and Associates (KJA)
KJA is one of Australia’s largest engagement and communication specialists, with just under 30 staff. It supports a wide range of private and public sector clients primarily in the planning, development, transport, energy and infrastructure sectors.
Mark was one of six Project Directors and responsible for stakeholder and community engagement projects for a range of clients, including the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, University of Sydney, Penrith City Council and City of Botany Bay Council.
On secondment for KJA, Mark served for a period as the Acting Director, Communications for the Barangaroo Delivery Authority.
August 2005 - December 2013
MEDIA MANAGER, NSW Department of Planning
In August 2005, Mark was employed as the Media Manager for the NSW Department of Planning (now the NSW Department of Planning and Environment), overseeing a team of up to six staff.
Mark undertook a very wide range of communications functions for the Department including:
-
Media team management
-
Chief media spokesperson role
-
Writing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns
-
Website and social media co-ordination
-
Stakeholder engagement and management
-
Liaison with Minister’s and Premier’s offices
During this period, Mark also worked:
-
As the Department’s Acting Corporate Communications Manager
-
On secondment as a media advisor to then Planning Minister Brad Hazzard
​
February 1988 - August 2005
JOURNALIST at News Ltd (Daily Telegraph)
​
2004-2005 - Urban affairs editor
2003-2004 - State Parliament bureau chief
1996-2003 - City reporter
1994-1996 - Local government reporter
1993-1994 - General news reporter
1992 - Parramatta bureau chief
1991 - Melbourne correspondent
1990-1991 - Wollongong bureau reporter
1990 - State Parliament press gallery reporter
1988-1990 - Cadet journalist
Education
Master in Environmental Law (University of Sydney) - 2010
​This course covered NSW and Australian town planning, water, climate change and heritage law along with dispute resolution training.
NSW Government Executive Development Program - 2010
This multi-week course was conducted by strategic advisory firm Bendelta on behalf of the NSW Government and outlined key management and leadership skills.
​
Bachelor of the Arts - Communications (University of Technology) - 1990
​
This course covered both the practical and theoretical aspects of communication, in particular journalism and public relations.