Senior Manager - Strategic Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager - Strategic Communications

🔹 Company: AFCA

🔹 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: Wed Apr 02 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a high-impact, integrated communications strategy
• Developing and leading high-performing teams
• Providing expert strategic counsel to senior leadership
• Ensuring all communication activities are aligned with corporate goals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires significant experience in strategic communication within the financial services sector, given the company’s focus and responsibilities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead and develop the Strategic Communications team, ensuring seamless collaboration across various communication channels.

✅ Coach and mentor team members to execute insightful and data-informed communications strategies.

✅ Serve as a strategic liaison between communications and other AFCA-wide functions to align goals.

✅ Support the EGM in offering strategic counsel to the CEO and senior leaders on communication risks and opportunities.

✅ Develop structured work intake systems to manage and prioritize communications tasks.

✅ Lead strategic planning meetings with senior leaders to emphasize proactive communication.

✅ Drive the development and implementation of key strategic communication initiatives.

✅ Monitor and evaluate communications strategies for continuous improvement using data analytics and stakeholder feedback.

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities imply a highly strategic role aimed at enhancing internal and external communication effectiveness across an organization of AFCA's size.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

Experience: Proven experience in a senior communications role, preferably within a complex and regulated environment

Required Skills:

• Strategic Communications
• Team Leadership
• Relationship Management
• Strategic Planning

Preferred Skills:

• Policy Understanding
• Financial Services Insight

ASSUMPTION: While financial services experience is preferred, similar experience in similarly regulated industries might be considered an asset.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified; typically competitive for leadership roles within the financial services sector in Melbourne

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Comprehensive leave options including parental leave
• Not-for-profit salary packaging for enhanced financial benefits

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week with flexible working options available

ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority of the role, additional hours might be expected during critical project timelines, but balanced with flexible work arrangements.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services with a focus on dispute resolution

Company Size: Approximately 962 employees, offering a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for significant impact

Founded: 2018

Company Description:

• Leading financial disputes resolution provider in Australia
• Focus on fairness and transparency
• Provides free and impartial services to consumers

Company Specialties:

• Alternative dispute resolution
• Legal and financial consultancy
• Consumer and industry education

Company Website: https://www.afca.org.au/

ASSUMPTION: The company description highlights AFCA’s mission-driven culture, which could significantly affect the role's strategic communications requirements.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior management with responsibilities influencing corporate strategy

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive General Manager

Work Arrangement: Hybrid role with a mix of on-site and remote work flexibility

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for executive leadership development
• Opportunities to shape company-wide communication strategy
• Enhanced strategic skills through cross-functional collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The role offers growth through leadership in strategic initiatives and direct influence over company-wide communication policies.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern offices designed for collaboration and employee wellbeing

Office Location(s): Melbourne and Sydney CBDs

Geographic Context:

• Located in key Australian metropolitan areas
• Diverse cultural and professional environment
• Accessibility to professional networks and industry events

Work Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility, especially for management positions

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's seniority, occasional after-hours commitments may be required to meet strategic goals.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Initial HR screening
• Interviews with department heads and key stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic vision and leadership ability
• Communication expertise
• Ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in regulated environments
• Showcase strategic projects and their outcomes
• Emphasize leadership and team development skills

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Team Leadership, Relationship Management, Financial Services

ASSUMPTION: The selection process is likely rigorous given the role's complexity and the company's industry position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Comprehensive CRM systems
• Digital marketing platforms
• Data analytics software

ASSUMPTION: Expertise in digital communication tools and analytics platforms is assumed necessary for this strategic role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Fairness and integrity
• Innovation and accountability
• Diversity and inclusion

Work Style:

• Collaborative and open
• Results-oriented with proactive approaches
• Adaptive to change and driven by continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you handle communication challenges in complex environments?
• What is your leadership style, and how does it ensure team success?
• Can you provide examples of successfully aligning communication strategies with organizational goals?

ASSUMPTION: The cultural fit is important as it aligns closely with AFCA's mission-driven approach to dispute resolution.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating complex regulatory environments
• Balancing diverse stakeholder needs
• Ensuring cohesive cross-departmental communication
• Adapting to rapidly changing market dynamics

ASSUMPTION: Challenges may include keeping communications relevant and efficient amidst industry developments and internal organizational changes.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Typically requires high-level strategic oversight
• Comparable roles might have less direct impact on corporate strategy
• Differences in sector focus significantly impact responsibilities

ASSUMPTION: Similar roles in other industries may not involve the same degree of regulatory complexity.

📝 Sample Projects

• Development of a company-wide digital communications strategy
• Design and implementation of stakeholder engagement frameworks
• Leading high-profile public relations campaigns

ASSUMPTION: The role likely involves high-visibility projects vital for organizational positioning and commitment to fairness.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does AFCA define and measure successful communication strategies?
• What are the key challenges facing the communications team at AFCA?
• How do cross-functional teams collaborate on strategic initiatives?
• What support is provided for ongoing professional development?
• How does the company’s mission influence its strategic communications?

ASSUMPTION: Suggested questions focus on cultural alignment, strategic influence, and the company’s mission-driven nature.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the AFCA careers page or a designated application portal
• Ensure your resume is tailored to highlight strategic communications experience
• Include a cover letter detailing specific alignment with AFCA's values and mission
• Prepare to discuss relevant experience and strategic vision during interviews
• Contact [email protected] for any accessibility needs during the process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.

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