📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Project Communications Adviser, Scams
🔹 Company: AFCA
🔹 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Contract (12 months)
🔹 Category: Communications, Project Management
🔹 Date Posted: May 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing communication plans for project initiatives and goals
- Aligning communication and change strategies with internal stakeholders
- Creating and managing content across multiple channels
- Monitoring communication effectiveness and adapting strategies as needed
- Leading stakeholder engagement activities to build alignment and support
- Identifying and escalating strategic risks related to reputation and brand
- Supporting media responses and crisis communication efforts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of communications and project management skills to support the successful delivery of AFCA's Scams EDR Program.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute communication plans to support project initiatives and goals
✅ Align communication and change strategies through collaboration with internal stakeholders
✅ Create and manage content across multiple channels, including digital, social, and internal platforms
✅ Ensure timely and accurate project updates in coordination with project teams
✅ Monitor communication effectiveness and adapt strategies as needed
✅ Lead stakeholder engagement activities to build alignment and support
✅ Identify and escalate strategic risks related to reputation and brand
✅ Prepare and distribute key project materials such as reports and briefings
✅ Support media responses and crisis communication efforts
✅ Ensure all communications meet AFCA's brand and quality standards
✅ Perform additional duties as required to support project success
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of collaboration and stakeholder management, requiring strong communication and project management skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: Proven ability to develop and deliver communication and change strategies for large-scale projects or complex programs (2-5 years)
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Effective project management skills
- Proficient in using digital communication tools and platforms
- Collaborative team player with experience working across cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups
- Skilled at managing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outcomes
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of methodologies like ADKAR or Prosci for change management
- Experience working in the financial services industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in communications and project management, along with relevant industry experience, will be well-suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Not specified. Based on industry standards for a Communications Manager role in Melbourne, the estimated salary range is AUD 90,000 - 120,000 per annum (pro-rated for the 12-month contract).
Benefits:
- Flexible work options
- Thoughtful benefits
- Opportunities to deepen expertise
- Inclusive leave options
- Financial benefits (not-for-profit salary packaging)
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and should be confirmed with the employer.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services. AFCA is a not-for-profit organization that provides fair, independent, and effective solutions for financial disputes.
Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees). This size allows for a structured yet flexible work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: 2018. AFCA was established as the one-stop-shop for consumers and small businesses with a complaint about banking, credit, insurance, superannuation, investments, and advice.
Company Description:
- AFCA is committed to fairness, independence, transparency, accountability, honesty, respect, and proactivity in its approach to dispute resolution.
- The organization works with consumers, small businesses, industry, regulators, and government to raise standards and reduce financial disputes through innovative solutions, education, and communication.
- AFCA's diverse workforce is made up of over 1,200 team members across Victoria and New South Wales, with expertise in dispute resolution, finance, insurance, and superannuation.
Company Specialties:
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Legal and case management
- Insurance, banking, superannuation, investments, and advice
Company Website: https://www.afca.org.au/
ASSUMPTION: AFCA's mission and values make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a meaningful and impactful role in the financial services industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within AFCA's communications and project management functions.
Reporting Structure: The Project Communications Adviser reports directly to the Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Workstream Lead.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid. This role offers a blend of on-site and remote work, with flexible work arrangements available.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding the role's responsibilities based on project needs and individual skills
- Seeking out new challenges and learning opportunities within AFCA's growing organization
- Developing expertise in financial services and dispute resolution
ASSUMPTION: This role provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in both communications and project management, with potential for career growth within AFCA.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
Office Location(s): Melbourne CBD, Sydney CBD
Geographic Context:
- Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong financial services industry
- The Melbourne CBD office is centrally located, with easy access to public transportation
- AFCA's offices are designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and employee wellbeing
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements available
ASSUMPTION: AFCA's modern offices and flexible work arrangements contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and a panel of stakeholders
- Background check and reference check (if required)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences
- Project management skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks
- Collaboration and stakeholder management skills
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in communications and project management
- Demonstrate understanding of AFCA's mission and values
- Showcase ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Tailor resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant skills and experiences
ATS Keywords: Communications, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Change Management, Digital Communications, Content Creation, Crisis Communication, Risk Management, Project Success
ASSUMPTION: AFCA's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on fairness and inclusivity.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Digital communication tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Mailchimp)
- Content creation and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Fairness
- Independence
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Honesty
- Respect
- Proactivity
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Results-driven
- Customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with AFCA's values and commitment to fairness?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment?
- Can you manage competing priorities and maintain high-quality outcomes?
ASSUMPTION: AFCA's values-driven culture is central to its mission and approach to dispute resolution, making cultural fit a critical factor in hiring decisions.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders with competing priorities and expectations
- Adapting to changes in project scope or direction
- Balancing the demands of project management and communications roles
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated through strong project management skills, adaptability, and effective communication.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to a Communications Manager role, this position places a greater emphasis on project management and stakeholder engagement
- Unlike many communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in project management, communications, or a blend of both
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of communications and project management responsibilities, with potential for career growth in either field.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a communication plan for a large-scale project launch
- Managing content creation and distribution across multiple channels for a complex program
- Supporting media responses and crisis communication efforts related to project risks or issues
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Project Communications Adviser in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does AFCA support work-life balance and employee wellbeing?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within AFCA?
- How does AFCA approach stakeholder engagement and collaboration in this role?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Scams EDR Program, and how can this role contribute to its success?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates a candidate's interest in and understanding of the role and organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication and project management work, if applicable
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
