Director, Strategic Initiatives (External Relations)

IFM Investors; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

IFM Investors in Australia seeks a Director, Strategic Initiatives within External Relations to lead the development and execution of global public affairs and strategic initiatives that position IFM as a trusted pension capital partner. The role drives policy engagement, capital-raising support and cross-border collaboration to advance the firm’s long-term value creation for working people.

The successful candidate will manage complex stakeholder networks, collaborate with investment teams and

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in a policy, political, government relations, public affairs, stakeholder relations or advocacy role.
• Understanding of the political and stakeholder environment in which IFM Investors operates, and of key political actors, structures, legislative and policy development processes through which decisions are made.
• Strong networks across Australian superannuation and/or policymaking, regulatory or industry bodies.
• Strong advocacy and influencing skills and experience successfully representing and negotiating including with regulators, politicians, and other policymakers.
• Policy and investment expertise.
• Solid understanding of Investment Management.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategies to promote IFM as the most trusted investment partner to targeted governments and markets globally
• Advocating for policy settings to promote continued scale of investments from pension capital
• Providing advice to and working constructively with IFM investment teams, other business units and external advisers in Australia and globally to align our work with business objectives, understand the impact of policy and regulation on the business and leverage existing relationships and resources
• Work collaboratively with owners, investors, industry bodies and advocacy organisations to help develop collective positions

Skills

Policy & public affairs

Stakeholder relations

Advocacy

Investment management

Job description

Director, Strategic Initiatives (External Relations)

IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities.

Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We believe healthy returns depend on healthy economic, environmental and social systems - and these are evolving on a scale never experienced before. To find opportunity, build value and meet the needs of future generations, you need scale, skill and expertise. That’s what IFM Investors has built up over 30 years.

With assets under management of approximately $291.1 AUD billion (at 30 June 2026), we prioritise the interests of over 883 institutional investors worldwide. IFM operates from 17 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.

For more information, visitifminvestors.com.

The Opportunity

At IFM, you’re not just part of an investment company – but an invested one. We see the work we do as the chance to take sustainable, responsible steps forward for millions of people around the world.

So, we have made sure to create a workplace that’s inclusive, accountable and collaborative. Where you’re given the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution and grow your skills. All while feeling valued and supported for who you are and what you bring to the team.

Along with the chance to make a meaningful, positive difference from day one, we offer a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. Our hybrid and flexible approach can vary by team and role, it is built around trust. We encourage our people to manage their work life rhythm in a way that works best for them and their teams.

Business Overview

Our Clients & Strategy team covers Business Development, Investor Relations, External Relations, Sustainable Investment and Brand, Marketing & Communications, including Internal Communications.

It is responsible for all communications to investor prospects, existing investors and their asset consultants, as well as a broad range of other stakeholders, including governments and media.

The Role

The objective of IFM’s Global External Relations team is to implement an integrated global public affairs strategy that authentically positions IFM in a way that reflects its values, heritage, and purpose, and assists with efforts to protect, enhance, and distinguish IFM’s reputation, and help drive capital raising and deal flow.

The Director, Strategic Initiatives, will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives within IFM that are intended to distinguish Australian superannuation as trusted, long-term pension capital and leverage that position into stronger commercial outcomes for working people and greater investment access globally.

Activities critical to this role include:

• Developing and executing strategies to promote IFM as the most trusted investment partner to targeted governments and markets globally
• Advocating for policy settings to promote continued scale of investments from pension capital
• Providing advice to and working constructively with IFM investment teams, other business units and external advisers in Australia and globally to align our work with business objectives, understand the impact of policy and regulation on the business and leverage existing relationships and resources
• Work collaboratively with owners, investors, industry bodies and advocacy organisations to help develop collective positions

Your Background and Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in a policy, political, government relations, public affairs, stakeholder relations or advocacy role
• Understanding of the political and stakeholder environment in which IFM Investors operates, and of key political actors, structures, legislative and policy development processes through which decisions are made.
• Strong networks across Australian superannuation and/or policymaking, regulatory or industry bodies.
• Strong advocacy and influencing skills and experience successfully representing and negotiating including with regulators, politicians, and other policymakers
• Policy and investment expertise.
• Solid understanding of Investment Management

Ready to invest in what matters?

With IFM, that includes your own career.

IFM Investors is committed to promoting an inclusive culture where all employees are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We champion all groups regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or family status. We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you require specific support at any stage of the recruitment process at*******@ifminvestors.com