Head of Communications, Corporate Affairs and Partnerships

The Organisation

Troocoo Executive Search is partnering with a large, purpose-led national organisation operating at significant scale across Australia.

With a substantial national footprint and a presence across communities throughout Australia, the organisation operates within a highly regulated environment where public trust, stakeholder confidence and reputation are critical to success.

Operating within a complex stakeholder landscape involving government, regulators, industry bodies, community partners and the broader public, the organisation plays an important role in shaping conversations that impact individuals, families and communities across the country.

As a recognised leader within its sector, the organisation is committed to delivering meaningful social impact while maintaining the highest standards of governance, accountability and operational excellence.

About The Role

Reporting to a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this is a rare opportunity to influence reputation, stakeholder confidence and organisational impact at national scale.

Leading a high-performing communications, issues management and corporate affairs function, you will play a critical role in protecting and enhancing organisational reputation while providing strategic counsel to senior leaders on complex issues, emerging risks and high-profile stakeholder matters.

This is far more than a traditional communications leadership role.

Operating at the intersection of communications, corporate affairs, government relations, public affairs, issues management and executive leadership, you will become one of the organisation's most trusted advisors, supporting executive decision-making during periods of complexity, change and heightened public scrutiny.

You will lead the organisation's response to significant incidents and emerging issues, provide strategic advice to executives and the Board, oversee media and reputation management activities, and drive proactive stakeholder engagement, advocacy and positioning strategies.

The role also provides the opportunity to shape organisational narrative, strengthen crisis preparedness and incident response capability, support executive communications, and help influence broader public and policy conversations relevant to the organisation's purpose and mission.

Key areas of focus include:

• Leading organisational responses to critical incidents, emerging issues and reputational challenges
• Providing strategic advice and counsel to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board
• Developing and executing corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement and reputation strategies
• Managing complex media, public affairs and government relations activities
• Leading executive, leadership and internal communications across a geographically dispersed workforce
• Driving proactive campaigns and thought leadership initiatives
• Building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders, regulators and industry partners
• Strengthening organisational crisis preparedness, governance and response capability
• Leading and developing a high-performing communications and corporate affairs team

The Person

You are an experienced communications, corporate affairs or public affairs leader who thrives in complex, high-profile environments where judgement, influence and stakeholder management are critical.

You bring a track record of advising senior executives and boards through periods of organisational change, heightened public scrutiny, regulatory complexity or reputational challenge. You are comfortable operating in fast-moving environments, balancing competing priorities while providing clear, commercially and strategically sound advice.

Importantly, you are recognised for your ability to remain calm under pressure. Whether responding to critical incidents, managing sensitive stakeholder issues or navigating complex media environments, you bring credibility, confidence and sound judgement to every situation.

You are an exceptional relationship builder who can engage effectively across a broad stakeholder landscape, from executives, boards and government representatives through to regulators, industry bodies, community partners and the media. Equally comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level, you know when to influence, when to challenge and when to lead from the front.

While experience may have been gained across a range of sectors, backgrounds in healthcare, human services, education, government, community services, infrastructure, emergency services, large not-for-profit organisations or public affairs environments will be highly regarded.

Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and impact. You are seeking an opportunity where your leadership, judgement and strategic counsel will influence organisational outcomes, strengthen stakeholder trust and contribute to a broader mission that positively impacts communities across Australia.

To submit an application (CV and cover letter) please do so via the apply button.