Head of Communications

**The Game Changers**:
Australian Payments Plus (AP+) is here to shape the future of payments for Australia. We aim to deliver more innovation to Australia’s payments ecosystem, for the collective benefit of Australian businesses, government and consumers.

Our solutions include Australia’s domestic debit network, real-time, data rich payments infrastructure, secure bill payments, digital identity verification, QR payments and experiences and open wallet solutions. It’s a new chapter with more possibilities.

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 big ideas forward and make a difference through your work. Taking steps forward in your career whilst 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 Opportunity**:
The Head of Communications at AP+ this role is responsible for shaping and executing the organisation’s communications strategy to build trust, transparency, and engagement across all stakeholders - including employees, members, government, media, and broader segments including end users and the public. This role drives cohesive, consistent, and compelling narratives that articulate AP+’s purpose, position in the Australian payments landscape, and contributions to the digital economy.

As a strategic leader, the Head of Communications ensures that internal and external communications reinforce AP+’s brand promise and values, supports strategic priorities, and safeguards reputational integrity. This includes proactive media engagement, executive communications, internal engagement, issues and crisis management, and alignment with key matrix partners across AP+ including product, strategy, brand, marketing, people and culture and government affairs.

The role plays a critical part in enhancing trust in AP+ and its product brands, supporting its ambition to lead secure, inclusive, and innovative payments experiences for all in Australia.

**The core responsibilities of the role will include**:

- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports AP+’s purpose, strategic objectives, and brand identity, ensuring consistent and coherent messaging across all stakeholder groups.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team on all aspects of communication, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Collaborate effectively across the AP+ organisational matrix, aligning communications with key functions including product, legal, policy, risk, human resources, and commercial operations, as well as with the broader Brand and Marketing team.
- Lead internal and executive communications initiatives designed to engage and inspire employees, reinforce organisational culture, and support change, transformation, and strategic alignment.
- Oversee media relations and public affairs, including proactive storytelling, responsive media engagement, and issues management, to enhance and safeguard AP+’s reputation.
- Manage stakeholder and member communications to ensure messages are delivered with clarity, transparency, and integrity across the diverse AP+ ecosystem.
- Lead and develop a high-performing communications team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in execution.
- Take a lead role in coordinating communication efforts during incidents or crises, ensuring timely, transparent, and trustworthy engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

**The capabilities we’re seeking are**:

- Extensive senior-level experience (10+ years) in corporate communications, public affairs, or a related field, preferably within highly regulated, complex, or member-based organisations (e.g., financial services, government, tech, or infrastructure).
- Proven track record in leading enterprise-wide communications strategies that support organisational transformation, reputation management, and stakeholder trust.
- Strong experience operating in a matrix organisation, with demonstrated ability to lead through influence and drive alignment across diverse internal functions and external partners.
- Deep expertise in media relations and issues management, including acting as spokesperson and managing reputational risk in high-pressure environments.
- Demonstrated success in executive communications, including speechwriting, internal narratives, and change communications for C-suite stakeholders.
- Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

**What happens next**:
At AP+, we believe in the power of passion, pride, and purpose. Ou