Senior Communications Advisor

Australian Financial Complaints Authority; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Hybrid working

Inclusive leave options

Job summary

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) seeks a Senior Communications Adviser to join the Strategic Communications team and shape clear, compelling communications that connect AFCA’s strategy with the people it serves.

This role requires turning complex priorities into engaging narratives across internal and external audiences, advising senior stakeholders and leading communications projects with a collaborative, improvement-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing communications strategies and engaging content across digital, internal and traditional media.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible messages.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with confidence to advise stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management and organisational skills under pressure.
• Sound judgement, curiosity and collaborative approach.
• Customer- and outcomes-focused mindset for high-quality stakeholder experiences.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver integrated communications strategies aligned with AFCA's goals.
• Turn complex information into clear, compelling stories for diverse audiences.
• Draft, edit and publish high-quality content across internal, digital and traditional channels.
• Advise senior stakeholders on effective communication strategies.

Skills

Writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Stakeholder influencing

Strategic communications

Audience storytelling

Education

Communications or PR degree or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

Australian Financial Complaints Authority – Sydney CBD NSW

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Job Description

Great communications don’t just share information. They create clarity, build trust and influence action.

At AFCA, the work we do matters. And how we communicate that work matters too.

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Communications Adviser to join our Strategic Communications team and help shape clear, compelling and consistent communications that connect AFCA’s strategy with the people we serve.

This is a role for someone who loves making the complex simple, knows how to find the story within the detail, and can confidently advise senior stakeholders on how to communicate with impact.

Working across AFCA, you’ll turn strategic priorities and complex issues into engaging narratives for internal and external audiences, while helping protect and enhance AFCA’s reputation.

What you’ll do

No two pieces of work will be quite the same. You’ll move between strategic advice, writing, stakeholder engagement and hands‑on communications delivery.

You will:

• Shape and deliver integrated communications strategies that support AFCA’s strategic goals.
• Turn complex information into clear and compelling stories for a range of audiences.
• Draft, edit and publish high-quality content across internal, digital and traditional communication channels.
• Act as a trusted communications adviser to senior stakeholders, helping them connect and engage effectively with their audiences.
• Build strong relationships across AFCA and bring people together around shared communications priorities.
• Use data and insights to understand what’s working and continually improve reach, engagement and impact.
• Lead communications projects from idea through to delivery, coordinating subject matter experts, stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Bring fresh thinking, curiosity and a continuous‑improvement mindset to the team.

Contract

This is initially a 12-month contract role.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring

You’re an experienced communications professional who can balance strategic thinking with getting things done.

You’re equally comfortable working through a complex communications challenge with a senior stakeholder as you are sitting down to craft the message that will bring it to life.

You’ll bring:

• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• Proven experience developing communications strategies and engaging content across digital, internal and traditional media.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• The ability to translate complex information into communications that are clear, accessible and meaningful.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide trusted advice to stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality work under pressure.
• Sound judgement, curiosity and a collaborative approach.
• A customer- and outcomes-focused mindset and a commitment to creating high-quality stakeholder experiences.

Experience within financial services, a regulatory environment or a member-based organisation would be an advantage, but it isn’t essential.

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, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t 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 634,000 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.