About the role
The
Director of Strategic Communications
positions and amplifies AFSA as a visible, modern and contemporary regulator. The role drives behaviour change through data-led communications, strengthens audience engagement through tailored and targeted activities; and supports senior leaders to foster an informed, engaged and future-focused people culture.
The Director is accountable for shaping public and employee perceptions of AFSA by developing clear brand and communication strategies, understanding context and timing, and responding to a rapidly changing environment. The role leads a multidisciplinary communications team and ensures that all communications is aligned with AFSA's strategic objectives and government priorities.
Key responsibilities
In this role, you will:
* Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of strategic, tactical and operational communications and engagement plans – internal and external – to support AFSA's vision, priorities and stakeholder needs with national managers and their operational business lines.
* Shape and steward AFSA's brand ensuring it is consistently reflected across our external and internal culture.
* Provide expert, insight-driven advice on communication and engagement, including risk management, to influence organisational strategy, decision-making and major initiatives.
* Build strong, purposeful relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enable open communication, collaboration and achievement of operational outcomes.
* Develop and shape AFSA's internal and external communication channels, including and, with a focus on continuous improvement and quality control.
* Lead AFSA's media management, including monitoring, social listening and proactive management of misinformation and disinformation.
* Drive leadership and employee communication, ensuring a connected, informed and engaged workforce.
* Lead and grow a high-performing communications team, spanning internal and external communications, issues and crisis management and public relations.
All duties will be performed in accordance with:
* the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles
* WHS obligations, taking responsibility for own health and safety and that of others
* AFSA's risk management framework and relevant legislation, including guiding others to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks.
Qualifications and experience
* Tertiary qualifications in a related discipline and/or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience are highly desirable.
* Demonstrated experience managing and motivating people to be part of a positive, high performing culture.
Why AFSA?
You will enjoy excellent conditions including:
* Generous superannuation (15.4%)
* A modern work environment
* Access to Employee Assistance Provider
* Flexibility to balance work and personal life (working from home arrangements)
We are a workplace committed to providing an environment that values diversity and supports staff to reach their full potential. We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability. At AFSA we encourage every employee balance their family commitments and personal interests with flexible working options.
We are a workplace committed to providing an environment that values diversity and supports staff to reach their full potential. We encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability. At AFSA we encourage every employee balance their family commitments and personal interests with flexible working options.
Eligibility
Please note that this opportunity is open only to Australian Citizens
. The successful applicant must have or be willing to undergo a security clearance to the level of
Baseline
as a condition of employment. To satisfy character requirements all AFSA employees must undergo a police records check.
Where a person has received a redundancy benefit from APS agency employment and their corresponding redundancy benefit period has not expired, they may be ineligible for employment. We encourage applications from peoples from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
How to apply
Applications close
Sunday 22 February 2026 at 11:59 PM AEDT.
Applications for this vacancy are submitted online through the AFSA careers portal. Further instructions on how to apply can be found on the
ASFA careers website
.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.