Director – Government Relations (12-Month Maternity leave cover)

The Australian Banking Association (ABA)
The ABA is a dynamic and innovative organisation that works effectively as a whole and in partnership with our member banks. The ABA advocates for a strong, competitive and innovative banking industry that delivers excellent and equitable outcomes for customers. We promote and encourage policies that make banking better for all Australians, through advocacy, research and thought leadership.
About the role
The Director, Government Relations works in partnership with, and supports, the Chief, Corporate Affairs to develop and lead strategic interaction with Government to prosecute the ABA's agenda. This includes proactively identifying opportunities for the ABA's members to inform government policy for the benefit of the banking sector and positioning industry's response to Government policies and regulations.
Key responsibilitiesCreate and develop a strategic government relations plan to interpret, predict and respond to political, regulatory affairs and industry reputation managementTake ownership of the narrative of the industry; develop communication positions and messages on hot industry topics to ensure message consistency and audience-focused approachConduct regular analysis and monitoring of delivery against the strategic plan and achievement of objectivesEstablish and foster relationships of trust and respect between ABA and ABA member corporate affairs teamsBuild cooperative relationships with broader stakeholders in media, government and regulatory bodies and other representative bodiesPlay a key influencer role with key stakeholders to ensure communication objectives are achievedDemonstrate superior skills in oral and written communications combined with demonstrated abilities in leadershipEnsure effective utilisation of best practice channels to deliver messages to stakeholder audiencesReview existing channels and design new channels, tools and events to better deliver on ABA communication objectivesDemonstrate and promote team behaviours to facilitate greater internal communication between ABA areas and a supportive company culture
About you15+ years' experience in communications, media and government relationsKnowledge and experience of political and media processesDemonstrated professional and organised execution of superior external/media communicationsProven stakeholder management at senior executive level with a broad range of stakeholders within Corporate, Political, Media and Regulation bodiesExperience advising and influencing senior executives and stakeholdersExperience developing strategies to influence GovernmentStrong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skillsAn eye for reputational risk and proactive industry reputation building opportunitiesExemplary verbal and written communication skillsBusiness and commercial acumen, strong organisational and planning skills, people and change management skills, interpersonal and relationship management skills