Life @ AP+:

We are one connected team in pursuit of one inspiring purpose - to unite people and technology to power better experiences. Each of us has a part to play in making that happen. You'll be encouraged to bring your ideas forward and make a difference through your work, while still having room for fun, friendships and flexibility in your daily life.

We're driven by our core values: lead with heart, learn for tomorrow and live our legacy. A purpose like ours takes the inspired impact of an incredible team. Ready to change the game? We're ready to help you do it.

The Purpose:

As our Senior Communications Manager – External, you’ll play a critical role in shaping AP+’s external voice, building our reputation and strengthening our position across the payments industry and broader business community.

You’ll lead our external thought leadership and media relations agenda – identifying the stories, issues and conversations AP+ should be part of and creating opportunities to showcase our expertise through media, events, speaking opportunities, our podcast and other original content.

You’ll also be a trusted adviser and support the Head of Communications on emerging issues and crisis communications, working closely with senior leaders to navigate complex and fast-moving matters and helping ensure AP+ communicates clearly and confidently with media and other external stakeholders.

At the heart of the role is the ability to connect communications to our business strategy – understanding what AP+ is trying to achieve and turning our priorities, expertise and ideas into compelling external narratives that build trust and support our broader objectives

Key Responsibilities the Role Owns:





- Lead AP+’s external thought leadership agenda, identifying the issues, trends and conversations where AP+ can credibly contribute and build its profile.
- Lead proactive and reactive media relations, developing a strong pipeline of stories and opportunities and managing media enquiries and responses.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists across major Australian mastheads, business and financial media, broadcast and relevant industry publications.
- Develop high-quality external communications and Executive materials, including media strategies, key messages, Q&A;, briefing documents, talking points, articles and commentary.
- Develop creative content that brings AP+’s strategy and expertise to life, including leading AP+’s thought leadership podcast and helping shape the content agenda for the Beyond Tomorrow Summit.
- Identify emerging media and reputational issues, provide strategic communications advice and support AP+’s issues and crisis communications preparedness and response.
- Work closely with the Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs to develop communications and briefing materials that support engagement with government, regulators and industry stakeholders.
- Partner with teams across AP+ to translate complex business, product and industry developments into compelling external stories and narratives.




- Manage external agencies and partners and contribute as a senior member of the Communications team to broader communications priorities, major announcements and issues.

The capabilities needed to be successful for this role are:

- Qualifications & Experience: A 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.
- Strategic Communications: A track record of building communications plans and narratives that connect organisational priorities with audience needs, including experience developing thought leadership and advising senior leaders.
- Media & Issues Management: Strong media relations skills and sound judgement in responding to sensitive or fast-moving issues. Experience supporting issues or crisis communications and preparing leaders to engage with media is highly valued.
- Content & Channel Leadership: Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to develop high-quality content across formats and channels. Experience leading editorial programs, podcasts or major external events is an advantage.
- Stakeholder Partnership: The confidence to build trusted relationships with internal experts, executives, media and external stakeholders, and to coordinate input and approvals across a range of teams. Experience in payments, financial services, infrastructure or another regulated workplace is advantageous.

AP+ are not partnering with Recruitment agencies for this role.

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📌 Senior Communications Manager - External (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Payments Plus
📍 Sydney