Senior Communications Manager – External

Australian Payments Plus

. Lead AP+’s external thought leadership agenda and build its profile .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSydney • AustraliaSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading external communications and media relations, with a strong ability to develop compelling narratives and thought leadership content. Proven track record in crisis communications and building trusted relationships with stakeholders across various sectors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

External Communications LeadershipMedia Relations SkillsCrisis Communications ExperienceContent Development ExpertiseStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

WritingEditingStorytellingCommunications PlanningNarrative Development

Soft Skills

JudgementRelationship BuildingCoordination

Tools & Technologies

Podcast ProductionMedia Strategy Development

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsJournalismMarketingFinancial ServicesRegulated Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead AP+’s external thought leadership agenda and build its profile
Lead proactive and reactive media relations, including media enquiries and responses
Build relationships with journalists across major Australian mastheads, business and financial media, broadcast and relevant industry publications
Develop external communications and executive materials, including media strategies, key messages, Q&As, briefing documents, talking points, articles and commentary
Lead AP+’s thought leadership podcast and help shape the content agenda for the Beyond Tomorrow Summit
Identify emerging media and reputational issues and support issues and crisis communications preparedness and response
Advise senior leaders on complex and fast-moving communications matters
Develop communications and briefing materials supporting engagement with government, regulators and industry stakeholders
Translate complex business, product and industry developments into compelling external narratives
Manage external agencies and partners
Contribute to broader communications priorities, major announcements and issues as a senior Communications team member

Requirements

What you’ll need

Tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
Significant experience leading external, corporate or stakeholder communications in a complex organisation
Track record of building communications plans and narratives connecting organisational priorities with audience needs
Experience developing thought leadership and advising senior leaders
Strong media relations skills and sound judgement responding to sensitive or fast-moving issues
Experience supporting issues or crisis communications and preparing leaders to engage with media is highly valued
Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills
Ability to develop high-quality content across formats and channels
Confidence building trusted relationships with internal experts, executives, media and external stakeholders
Ability to coordinate input and approvals across multiple teams
Experience leading editorial programs, podcasts or major external events is an advantage
Experience in payments, financial services, infrastructure or another regulated environment is advantageous

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexibility in daily life
Room for fun and friendships
Inclusion support and application assistance