Senior Manager - Strategic Communications

Fairness feels good 

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first. 

Are you a strategic communications leader with a passion for driving high-impact, integrated communications and developing and leading high-performing teams? AFCA is looking for a Senior Manager Strategic Communications to lead our Strategic Communications team, ensuring strategic communications is a key enabler to AFCA’s corporate and strategic priorities.

This is a senior leadership role that understands how to grow and nurture key relationships with internal stakeholders, and how to embed a collaborative, cross-functional approach that breaks down silos and ensures all communication activities are aligned, purposeful, and high-impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop the team: Oversee the Strategic Communications function, ensuring seamless collaboration across AFCA’s communications, engagement, media, and stakeholder teams to deliver outcomes for the business.
• Foster high performance: Coach and mentor team members to develop and deliver clear, insightful and data-informed communications strategies.
• Strategic liaison: Serve as a key senior strategic liaison between the Strategic Communications function and internal AFCA-wide teams
• Trusted advisor: Support the EGM in providing expert strategic counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, and senior leaders on communications risks and opportunities.
• Work prioritisation and management: Develop and implement a structured work intake and management system, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and effective prioritisation of work.
• Proactive planning: Lead regular strategy and planning meetings with senior leaders across the business to embed proactive, strategic communications that enable business strategy.
• Cross-functional integration: Embed a cross-functional and integrated approach within the wider Communication, Engagement and Brand team to ensure strategic communications are seamlessly integrated and delivered.
• Strategic initiatives: Lead the development of key strategic communication initiatives, including high-priority internal and external corporate projects and campaigns.
• Monitor, evaluate and improve: Use analytics, stakeholder feedback, and impact assessments to refine communication strategies and ensure continuous improvement.

• Experienced leader: Proven experience in a senior communications or engagement role, preferably within a complex, high-profile or regulated environment.
• Relationship manager: Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with executives, senior leaders, and business units, skilled in navigating complex organisational dynamics and aligning multiple stakeholder needs.
• Strategic partner: Demonstrated success in business partnering, influencing, advising and prioritising competing demands to deliver strategic communications outcomes.
• Industry insight: Understanding of policy, financial services, and regulatory landscapes.
• Mentoring and coaching skills: Strong leadership skills with experience in mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• Proactive problem solver: Ability to anticipate risks, solve challenges proactively, and advise on reputational threats.
• Master communicator: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling, clear, strategic messaging.
• Digital savvy: Strong understanding of traditional and digital content strategies, social media engagement, and integrated campaigns.
• Educational background: Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

What's on offer

• BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 –credited for its culture, engagement and flexible working arrangements. 
• Most Inclusive Workplace 2024 – Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards. 
• Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2023 
• Bronze AWEI Accreditation 2024 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. 
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity. 
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing. 
• Inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, 20 weeks paid parental leave, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and paid time off over Christmas. 
• Financial benefits – Not-for-profit salary packaging to boost take-home pay. 
• Locations – A team of over 1,200 dedicated professionals based in modern Melbourne and Sydney CBD offices. 

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at [email protected].

AFCA is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.