Manager, Communications & Engagement

The Manager Communications & Engagement will manage and develop AFCAs Stakeholder Engagement function set priorities oversee the quality of its work and build the teams capability to respond to both planned and emerging needs.

A key focus will be preparing AFCAs senior leaders for significant non-government external engagements. Youll oversee the development of executive briefs speeches presentations key messages panel materials and engagement advice. Your work will ensure leaders have a clear understanding of each engagements purpose stakeholder context relationship history risks sensitivities and intended outcomes.

Beyond individual engagements youll help strengthen how AFCA approaches stakeholder management across the organisation. Youll support the implementation of AFCAs stakeholder engagement strategy establish consistent ways of working and develop an enterprise view of priority relationships and engagement activity.

Youll also build AFCAs stakeholder intelligence capability helping transform feedback relationship insights and sector developments into clear and practical advice for senior decision-makers.

This is initially a 12 month max term contract.

What youll do:

• Lead and develop the Stakeholder Engagement function including setting priorities allocating work managing capacity and providing quality assurance.
• Provide clear direction coaching and development to the Senior Stakeholder Engagement Adviser.
• Build a resilient high-performing function that can respond effectively to planned and emerging priorities.
• Oversee preparation for significant external engagements involving the Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer Executive and other senior leaders.
• Ensure leaders are supported with clear objectives stakeholder context relationship history key messages anticipated issues risks sensitivities and intended outcomes.
• Lead the development and coordination of executive briefing packs speaking points speeches presentations panel preparation and other engagement materials.
• Coordinate input from executives business owners and subject-matter experts to produce accurate timely and audience-focused materials.
• Support the implementation of AFCAs stakeholder engagement strategy and a coordinated enterprise approach to stakeholder planning.
• Maintain an organisation-wide view of priority stakeholder relationships and significant external engagements.
• Establish consistent expectations for engagement planning record keeping meeting notes follow-up actions and relationship management.
• Partner with the Strategic Communications and Media teams to maintain consistent messaging across stakeholder engagements executive communications and public positioning.
• Work across AFCA to reduce duplication identify engagement gaps and improve coordination between leaders and business areas.
• Monitor stakeholder feedback relevant discourse and sector developments that may affect stakeholder perceptions or AFCAs reputation.
• Turn stakeholder intelligence into practical insights that support Executive decision-making organisational priorities and strategic responses.

Qualifications :

Youre a trusted adviser who can see the bigger picture while maintaining a strong command of the detail. You understand how to prepare senior leaders for important conversations navigate complex stakeholder environments and turn diverse information into clear practical advice.

Youll also bring:

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement strategic communications corporate affairs executive communications public affairs or a related field.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in communications journalism public relations or a related discipline.
• Experience advising executives or senior leaders within a complex organisation.
• Exceptional writing skills and experience preparing executive briefs speeches presentations key messages and materials for senior audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to understand stakeholder context identify risks and sensitivities and translate complex information into clear recommendations.
• Experience developing or implementing stakeholder engagement strategies frameworks governance processes or reporting arrangements.
• Strong judgement sound organisational awareness and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative leadership style that provides clarity supports development and encourages high-quality work.
• Experience in financial services another highly regulated sector or a member-based organisation would be advantageous.

Additional Information :

• Gold AWEI Accreditation 2025 Recognised for LGBTQ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working Flexible arrangements with two days a week in our modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Additional and inclusive leave options Flexible public holidays gender affirmation leave womens health leave and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.

To apply

If youre passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role we encourage you to apply even if you dont 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

We believe fairness starts with people. Thats why we dont use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result our processes may take a little longer and we thank you for your patience.

About AFCA

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free fair and independent help with financial disputes. The original team has grown to over 1600 dedicated professionals. Since 2018 AFCA has received more than 634000 complaints helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers. 

AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Contract