Director, Strategic Communications

Director, Strategic Communications & Planning Location: Sydney or CanberraRole Type: Full‑time, Permanent Overview For almost 70 years, Export Finance Australia has helped Australian businesses grow internationally by providing finance solutions. This role leads strategic communications and marketing planning, developing high‑impact messaging, stakeholder engagement strategies, and integrated communications plans that support EFA’s mandates across Southeast Asia, Indo‑Pacific infrastructure, critical minerals, and defence exports. Responsibilities Develop and maintain a strategic communications plan and calendar aligned with government milestones, policy announcements, and stakeholder engagement opportunities. Provide strategic oversight and quality assurance for speeches, remarks, and briefing materials for senior executives and board members. Partner with the Institutional and Government Relations teams to ensure communications support EFA mandates and government priorities. Manage relationships with key government communications contacts to ensure alignment and coordination across the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Support the development of stakeholder‑specific content strategies, including tailored messaging for federal/state agencies, industry bodies, and offshore partners. Support crisis and issues management planning, ensuring readiness and alignment with government protocols and expectations. Act as an advisor to the executive team on strategic messaging, reputation risk, and stakeholder engagement. Monitor policy, media and stakeholder trends to inform proactive communication strategies. Qualifications Tertiary qualifications in communications, public policy, international relations or a related field. 10+ years in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement or government relations. Strong understanding of government policy, trade and investment priorities, and ability to align communications with broader portfolio messaging and national interest objectives. Extensive experience building and influencing at senior levels, including executive teams, boards, and government or external stakeholders, navigating complex governance and regulatory environments. Expertise in crafting clear, consistent and impactful messaging frameworks tailored to diverse audiences. Proficient in preparing high‑quality communications products, including speeches, remarks, briefing notes and strategic content for senior executives and board members. Skilled in managing sensitive communications, including issues response and crisis planning, with sound judgement and alignment to government protocols. Ability to lead multi‑channel content strategies across digital, media and stakeholder platforms, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment. Proficient in using communication analytics, stakeholder insights and media monitoring to inform strategy, measure impact and optimise performance. Benefits & Culture Generous leave provisions (e.g., Annual Wellbeing day) & leave purchase opportunities 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers Comprehensive induction onboarding program Fitness Passport and other health & wellbeing initiatives Gender affirmation leave Income protection insurance Community volunteering opportunities And many more Eligibility Australian Citizenship – candidates must hold Australian citizenship at the time of application. Security Clearance – candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a baseline security clearance. Application Process Interviews will occur in parallel; please apply ASAP. To apply, click ‘apply’ or email your CV to Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered on this occasion. Equal Opportunity We invite and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, people with disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are a candidate with a disability, let us know how we can provide you with additional support. About Export Finance Australia Export Finance Australia is Australia’s export credit agency, providing finance to support Australian export trade and overseas infrastructure development across the Pacific and Indo‑Pacific. #J-18808-Ljbffr