Group Manager, Communications

• Senior Leadership Role
• Permanent full time position located in Sydney National Office, NSW (Hybrid work flexibility)
• Lead integrated communications to elevate brand, visibility and impact

At The Smith Family (TSF), we believe in the power of education to transform lives. As we work to reduce educational inequality caused by poverty, compelling communication is essential to inspire support, build trust, and amplify our impact. We are now seeking a senior communications leader to join our national leadership team as Group Manager, Communications.

About the role

As the Group Manager, Communications, you will shape and deliver integrated organisational communications that steward and evolve The Smith Family’s brand, manage brand and reputational risk, drive public awareness and consideration, and support both advocacy and fundraising outcomes.

Leading a national, multidisciplinary team, you will oversee brand strategy, media relations, internal communications, and thought leadership positioning, ensuring consistent messaging and visibility across communications channels. You will play a vital role in elevating our voice on issues affecting young Australians in poverty, and in supporting our CEO and Executive Team to be visible and advocates for change.

Reporting to the Executive (Head of Fundraising), you will work closely with leaders across our organisation and external partners to deliver communications that connect, influence and drive outcomes.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead brand strategy and uplift brand consistency and capability across the organisation
• Drive media, PR and organisational visibility on issues affecting educational outcomes of children experiencing disadvantage
• Lead strategic internal communications that foster team engagement and cultural alignment
• Develop and implement organisational wide thought leadership and advocacy communications strategy
• Develop and implement a holistic strategy supporting TSF’s fundraising objectives
• Partner with CEO and Executive Team and positioning them as and thought leaders key issues, policy debates and research areas aligned to TSF’s mission and strategic goals
• Lead and develop a high-performing national communications team leveraging data and insights to drive performance, storytelling and continuous improvement

About you

You are a senior communications leader with a strong record in leading large teams, strategic communications, brand stewardship, and media engagement. You thrive in complex, matrixed environments and are confident advising CEOs and Executives whilst leading a large national team. You bring energy and drive, strategic thinking to your work and the ability to influence at scale. You’re passionate about driving meaningful change through compelling storytelling and brand presence.

As well as passion for community, you will bring the following: 

• Tertiary qualification in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related discipline
• 10+ years senior experience in communications, media or brand leadership
• Demonstrated success in brand management, public relations, strategic and internal communications
• Experience using brand tracking, media metrics and audience insights to drive outcomes
• Experience working with executive visibility and thought leadership positioning
• Strong influencing skills across diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in advocacy, education, or not-for-profit sectors is highly desirable

Our benefits

At The Smith Family, employees are at the heart of what we do. Joining our team means you can:

• Find balance; with flexible work options and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave
• Maximise your take home pay; with salary packaging, as well as opportunities to save with discounts at retailers across the country
• Fulfill your potential, with excellent career opportunities, a suite of development programs and a dedicated learning and development platform
• Feel you belong; with inclusive leave options, including paid parental, cultural and gender affirmation leave
• Thrive; with support for you and your family’s mental and physical health including a complete care and safety platform, unlimited Employee Assistance and access to a huge range of fitness facilities with Fitness Passport

If you are passionate about what you do, committed to making a difference, and ready to lead communications that matter, please click apply, we’d love to hear from you. You may view the position description here.

Closing date: 19 September 2025

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to cultural diversity. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged.