Senior Communications Manager - External

About the role

The Senior Communications Manager - External will shape AP+'s external voice, build reputation and strengthen its position across the payments industry and broader business community. You will lead thought leadership, media relations and support crisis communications, linking communications to business strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead external thought‑leadership agenda, identifying issues and trends where AP+ can contribute.
• Develop and execute proactive and reactive media relations, managing enquiries and building a pipeline of stories.
• Build relationships with journalists across major Australian business, financial and industry publications.
• Create high‑quality external communications, including media strategies, key messages, briefing documents and podcast content.
• Identify emerging reputational issues and support crisis communications preparedness.
• Collaborate with Government and Regulatory Affairs to produce briefing materials for external stakeholders.

Required profile

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience in communications, PR, journalism or marketing.
• Significant experience leading external, corporate or stakeholder communications in a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to develop communications plans that align organisational priorities with audience needs.
• Strong media relations skills and sound judgement on sensitive or fast‑moving issues.

Required skills

• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling across multiple formats and channels.
• Experience leading editorial programmes, podcasts or major external events.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with internal experts, executives, media and external stakeholders.