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Head of Corporate Affairs – Associate Director

The opportunity

As the Head of Corporate Affairs at EY Oceania, you will be pivotal in developing, enhancing, and protecting EY’s corporate reputation among key stakeholders. Your primary responsibilities will include managing the Corporate and Public Affairs functions within the Strategic Communications team, focusing on advocacy, stakeholder management, public affairs, and media engagement. You will provide strategic communications direction to inform CEO and Deputy CEO positioning in market. The role will be responsible for driving EY’s strategic positioning on economic issues impacting Australia and the region, as well as the reputation of the firm and the profession more broadly. With a focus on supporting the executive profiling of the EY Oceania Chief Economist, the role will also support the strategic initiatives of the cross-industry, economics function. This will involve convening relevant stakeholders and leveraging skillsets whilst managing interdependencies across several functions within EY including but not limited to Public Policy, General Counsel, Risk and Quality, Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC), Media Relations, Government Relations, the Executive Leadership Team, and various APAC and Global EY functions.

This is a hybrid position that can be based in Naarm – Melbourne or Warrang – Sydney. Our roles can potentially be adjusted to work flexibly with reduced hours. Please speak with us about potential options.

Your key responsibilities

• Develop and execute EY Oceania’s Corporate strategy aligning closely with the firm’s commercial objectives, to promote and protect the firm’s reputation and mitigate risk for EY Oceania.
• Work with Public Policy and EY Oceania’s Government and Health Services Leader to develop and enhance relationships with key stakeholders across EY’s landscape including government departments, ministerial offices, regulators; media and key professional services stakeholders.
• Drive EY’s economics narrative and continue to elevate the Oceania Chief Economist positioning within the Australian market.
• Oversee CEO and Deputy CEO communication’s strategies to positively position reputation in market.
• Expand EY’s leverage of political intelligence to inform stakeholders across the firm on key strategic issues including reform.
• Manage EY’s reputation in high profile political or industry forums including Senate Inquiries.
• Manage direct reports.

Skills and attributes for success

• Proven experience in strategic communications or public affairs leadership roles with a track record of successfully shaping executive narratives and influencing stakeholders.
• Ability to build consensus and influence at the most senior levels within an organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing engagement strategies throughout transformation periods and engaging with executive leadership as a trusted advisor.
• Experience in building, fostering and managing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
• High level relationship management and interpersonal skills, including appreciating the nuances of the Executive Leadership Team, their networks and relationships at a deep level.
• Proof-reading, sub-editing and advice on level content.
• Ability to maintain high level of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.

Ideally, you’ll also have the skills and attributes below but don’t worry if you don’t tick all the boxes. We’re interested in your aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn.

• Strong understanding of the full potential of the Chief Economist’s role to drive organisational strategy and positioning
• Personal brand management and promotion
• High level strategic communications thinking
• Understanding of social media, video and digital platforms

What we offer you

At EY, we’ll fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. We’re proud to be recognised as the #1 WORK180 Endorsed Employer in the Top 101 Employers for Women 2026. Learn more.

• Career development: At EY, your career is yours to shape! We’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences com/au/careerdevelopment
• Flexible work arrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.

• A comprehensive benefits package: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/au/benefits

• Salary: We offer a competitive salary which is open to negotiation pending on skills and experience.

Acknowledgement of Country

EY acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which EY offices are located around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures, and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. Find out more about our vision for reconciliation at ey.com/en_au/careers/indigenous

Inclusiveness is core to who we are and how we work together, driving value for our people and for our business. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at contactrecruitment@au.ey.com or +61 3 8650 7788 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

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EY | Building a better working world

Our preferred applicant will be required to undertake employment screening by EY or our external third-party provider.

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