You will lead the development and delivery of SBF’s strategic narratives, policy communications, media relations and thought leadership. Working with policy and business divisions, senior leaders and external agencies, you will translate complex business issues into clear, compelling communications that strengthen SBF’s relevance, influence and reputation. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong writing, editorial judgement and media expertise. You will take communications briefs from strategy through execution across policy communications, corporate announcements, thought leadership, and major organisational priorities for sustained engagement with the business community.

Key accountabilities

1. Strategic narratives, policy communications and major corporate priorities

• Develop communications strategies, message houses and story angles aligned with SBF’s advocacy priorities, organisational goals and major strategic initiatives.
• Lead, develop and execute communications for key corporate priorities, initiatives projects and studies by working with subject-matter owners.
• Coordination with internal stakeholders, external partners and agencies to ensure sustained media interest, message consistency and impact.
• Write and edit press releases, leadership messages, talking points, briefing documents and other strategic communications materials.
  

2. Media relations and thought leadership

• Cultivate relationships with journalists and editors across relevant local and regional media and proactively identify and pitch stories.
• Lead media queries, briefings and interview preparation, coordinating timely, accurate responses and preparing spokespeople.
• Develop thought-leadership opportunities and content, including op-eds, commentaries and interviews, that strengthen SBF’s voice and influence.
• Support major initiatives through proactive media engagement and narrative development.
  

3. Issues and reputation management

• Monitor business, policy and media developments; assess reputational implications and recommend communications responses.
• Develop holding statements, Q&As and response plans, and support crisis communications preparedness.
• Advise internal stakeholders on sensitive messaging, timing and media risks, escalating high stakes matters to the Director and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.
  

4. Integrated communications and content delivery

• Work with campaign, organic social and digital marketing colleagues to carry consistent narratives across earned, owned, shared and paid communications.
• Guide internal and external stakeholders on editorial quality and messaging; plan content reuse and post-launch communications to sustain visibility across platforms.
• Manage appointed PR agencies, including scope, workplans, deliverables, timelines, editorial standards and performance.
• Evaluate communications effectiveness through coverage quality, message pull-through, spokesperson visibility and relevant audience responses.
  

Required competencies

• Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in strategic or corporate communications, public relations, policy communications or journalism, including experience independently leading complex communications assignments.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience
• Excellent English writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce strong first drafts and translate technical material into accessible and accurate stories.
• Demonstrated media relations experience and a sound understanding of the local and regional business media landscape.
• Strong judgement in handling sensitive issues, preparing spokespeople and advising senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work across multiple internal stakeholders, manage agencies and competing deadlines, and take responsibility for both strategy and execution.
• Experience in business, economic policy, trade or regional affairs would be an advantage.