This is a Head of External Affairs role with Aware Super based in Melbourne, VIC, AU Aware Super Role Seniority - senior More about the Head of External Affairs role at Aware Super Your SUPER career starts here As one of Australia's largest profit-for-members superannuation funds, we always remember whose money it is and whose future we're looking after. We work to reimagine a new way forward for our 1.1 million members and their communities. Each other. And our world. Sound good? Learn more about us and what we do at aware.com.au Your New Role As Head of External Affairs, you'll lead our External Affairs function within Brand, Marketing & Digital, setting the long‑term direction for earned media, thought leadership, issues management and reputational risk. Reporting to the General Manager, Brand, Marketing & Digital, you'll work closely with the CEO, Board, Executive team and senior leaders across the enterprise. You'll lead a team of senior media professionals and act as a trusted advisor on complex, high‑profile issues-balancing proactive narrative creation with readiness to respond when it matters most. In this role you will: Develop and deliver an integrated external affairs strategy aligned to Aware Super's growth ambitions, corporate reputation and retirement market leadership. Position Aware Super's executives, investments leaders and subject matter experts as credible, influential voices in the superannuation and financial services landscape. Lead earned media strategy, building strong relationships with key financial services, investment and government media. Provide strategic counsel to the CEO, Board and Executive team on reputational risk, opportunity and external positioning. Lead crisis and issues management, embedding and evolving the Reputational Risk Framework and chairing the External Monitoring Group. Oversee external affairs planning, budget management and performance reporting against clear KPIs. Partner closely with Brand, Marketing & Digital to ensure external narratives amplify member‑facing campaigns and brand strategy. To be successful in this role you will have the following skills and experience: Extensive experience leading a senior external affairs or media function in Australian financial services or a highly regulated environment. A strong track record in corporate reputation, earned media, crisis and issues management, including acting as a corporate spokesperson. Deep understanding of the superannuation and investment landscape, with existing media and industry relationships highly regarded. Proven ability to advise and influence at CEO and Board level. Strong commercial acumen, political awareness and strategic mindset. The idea of being part of our growth is exciting and you want to play a pivotal role in making super simple. You are balanced in accepting risk in any decision you face. You are curious to understand risk context and choose to speak up as we simplify, learn and grow. Employee Experience We understand that not everyone works in the same ways. We value flexibility and know that it helps you manage work and life. Why you'll love working at Aware Super: Have a super impact: You'll think big and care deeply to help more Australians live their best lives in retirement. Be part of something super unique: You'll work to reshape super and retirement. We'll invest in your growth and give you the opportunity to work on career-defining projects. Work with super humans: You'll work hard and innovate, but also have some fun along the way. Feel super cared for: We'll support your wellbeing today, as well as in the future. Enjoy a health & fitness reimbursement, work from home technology reimbursement, salary continuance insurance and organisation-wide meeting free zones. The Aware Super difference At Aware Super, we believe that diversity of thought, background and experience creates better outcomes for our members and communities and a stronger sense of belonging for our people. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, and mature-age individuals to apply. We are proud to be consistently recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and our CEO, Deanne Stewart, is a Pay Equity Ambassador. Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the Aware Super team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Developing external affairs strategy Leading earned media strategy ️ Overseeing crisis management Key Strengths External affairs leadership ⚠️ Crisis and issues management Strategic advising Commercial acumen Media relationships Risk management A Final Note: This is a role with Aware Super not with Hatch.
