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: April 2, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a high-performing strategic communications team
• Driving integrated communications aligned with corporate strategies
• Serving as a strategic liaison across AFCA teams
• Offering expert counsel on communication opportunities and risks

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a blend of leadership, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills to bridge communication gaps across the organization.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversee the Strategic Communications function to ensure seamless collaboration across teams

✅ Coach and mentor team members to deliver data-informed communication strategies

✅ Act as a key liaison to ensure alignment with corporate and strategic priorities

✅ Provide strategic counsel to executives on communication risks and opportunities

✅ Develop and implement a work intake and management system

✅ Lead strategic communication initiatives for corporate projects and campaigns

✅ Use analytics and stakeholder feedback for continuous improvement

ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities assume a high level of autonomy and decision-making capacity in aligning communication strategies with business objectives.

🎯 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 within a complex or regulated environment.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Communications
• Leadership
• Relationship Management
• Problem Solving
• Digital Savvy

Preferred Skills:

• Policy Understanding
• Experience in the financial services sector

ASSUMPTION: The preferred skills suggest an advantage for candidates familiar with financial services and regulatory landscapes.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified. Expected to be competitive within the financial services sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Inclusive leave options such as paid parental leave and health leaves
• Not-for-profit salary packaging

Working Hours: 40 hours per week with flexible arrangements

ASSUMPTION: Compensation is likely complemented by substantial benefits that support work-life balance and inclusion.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services. AFCA operates within a sector that emphasizes trust and transparency.

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a balance of size and agility with room for individual impact.

Founded: 2018. A relatively new organization with opportunities for innovation and growth.

Company Description:

• A comprehensive service for financial dispute resolution
• Promotes higher industry standards and reduces disputes
• Operations in financial complaint management across various sectors

Company Specialties:

• Alternative dispute resolution
• Insurance and financial servicing
• Case management and regulatory advice

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

ASSUMPTION: The rapid establishment of AFCA highlights its significance in the financial oversight landscape.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior level with strategic responsibilities

Reporting Structure: Reports to the EGM and collaborates closely with the CEO and senior leadership

Work Arrangement: Hybrid model allows for an on-site presence in modern facilities with flexible options

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to lead significant communication strategies
• Potential for career progression in a growing organization
• Engagement in high-impact, regulatory and industry-defining projects

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work setup promotes a flexible work-life balance while maintaining strong team cohesiveness.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: State-of-the-art collaborative offices

Office Location(s): Melbourne CBD

Geographic Context:

• Central urban location with access to major transport links
• Proximity to key financial district players
• Rich in culture and professional networks

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The central location suggests an emphasis on networking and accessibility for stakeholders.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application review
• Phone screening with HR
• In-depth interviews with hiring managers

Key Assessment Areas:

• Leadership and team management skills
• Ability to develop strategic communication plans
• Interpersonal and stakeholder management

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in strategic communication roles
• Demonstrate previous success in cross-functional team leadership
• Prepare examples of problem-solving in complex environments

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The application process is likely rigorous, focusing on strategic and leadership capabilities.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Advanced analytics tools for communications impact assessment
• Digital and social media platforms for integrated campaigns
• Project management software to coordinate communications efforts

ASSUMPTION: Candidates are expected to be digitally savvy, comfortable with both traditional and modern communication technologies.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Fairness and independence
• Transparency and accountability
• Honesty and respect

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive approach
• Focus on proactive and customer-centered communication
• Driven by innovation and continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I able to lead high-impact communication strategies autonomously?
• Can I foster collaboration across diverse teams effectively?
• Do I possess the resilience needed to manage high-stakes communications?

ASSUMPTION: A successful candidate will likely thrive in an inclusive and dynamic work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating complex regulatory environments
• Balancing multiple communication priorities concurrently
• Maintaining alignment within cross-functional teams
• Responding swiftly to reputational risks

ASSUMPTION: Challenges typically involve high stakes in communication efficacy and stakeholder management.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Higher autonomy compared to roles in smaller organizations
• Greater strategic impact possibility than in lower management roles
• Unique exposure to financial services sector dynamics

ASSUMPTION: Compared to similar roles, this position offers distinctive influence within the financial services landscape.

📝 Sample Projects

• Corporate rebranding initiatives
• Development of integrated stakeholder communication strategies
• Launching high-profile consumer engagement campaigns

ASSUMPTION: Projects are assumed to be large-scale, aligning with corporate strategies.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the organization evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies?
• What are the key challenges faced by the Strategic Communications team?
• Can you describe the support structure available for professional growth?
• How is cross-departmental collaboration facilitated?
• What are the immediate priorities for the role upon joining?

ASSUMPTION: Key inquiries should assess alignment with the company's strategic vision and support systems.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Prepare a CV highlighting strategic leadership experiences
• Incorporate insights into industry-specific challenges met
• Reach out for any accessibility accommodations
• Ensure application completeness by the deadline

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