Programme Director/Senior Manager - Communications, Industry & Regulatory Affairs

Programme Director/ Senior Manager
Communication, Industry & Regulatory Affairs

Role Overview
The Programme Director / Manager - Communications and Industry Relations is responsible for leading BARAs member engagement, strategic communications, government relations, and public affairs communication programs. The role ensures strong and transparent communication with member airlines and stakeholders, supports effective industry advocacy, and enhances the organisation's visibility and influence across the aviation sector. This position provides leadership across communication strategy, policy messaging, and stakeholder engagement to support organisational priorities and industry outcomes.

Member and Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the primary BARA communications and regulatory affairs interface for aviation issues, developing and articulating BARA messaging for sharing across all stakeholder groups and providing strategic advice and prioritisation of BARA communication channels.

• Lead member relationship engagement and responsive communication with airline representatives and partners
• Provide structured member updates and consultation opportunities on strategic priorities and emerging policy issues
• Facilitate strong industry collaboration through regular engagement forums, briefings, and direct liaison

Communications Strategy & Delivery

• Coordinate and produce organisation-wide communication materials for members, industry stakeholders, and government audiences
• Develop and maintain strategic messaging aligned with policy and advocacy priorities
• Prepare publications, newsletters, briefing notes, and industry updates
• Lead content planning and delivery across digital and written communication channels

Government Affairs & Policy Communication

• Prepare policy responses, submissions, and develop supporting BARA correspondence
• Provide both support material for the BARA ED and interact directly with government departments, ministerial offices, and departmental staff on issues affecting airline members
• Support development of aligned industry advocacy messaging and positions

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Lead media engagement, including proactive media positioning and reactive issue management
• Coordinate public statements, press releases, and media enquiries
• Develop public messaging to support policy priorities and industry profile

Digital Platforms and Content Management

• Manage BARA website content and updates
• Develop and lead agreed social media planning, publishing, and monitoring
• Ensure alignment of digital content with organisational communication strategy and brand positioning

Key Deliverables

• Member-focused communication products and regular industry updates
• Policy statements, submissions, and briefing materials
• Media releases, public statements, and digital communications
• Stakeholder engagement plans and delivery schedules

Skills & Competencies

• Member-focused communication products and regular industry updates
• Policy statements, submissions, and briefing materials
• Media releases, public statements, and digital communications
• Stakeholder engagement plans and delivery schedules
• Ability to respond and deliver under pressure

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong communication, drafting, and strategic messaging capability
• Proven government relations, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy skillset
• Demonstrated capability in media management and public affairs
• Content development and editorial skills across multiple formats and audiences
• High level digital and social communications capability, including content planning and delivery

Reporting

• BARA Executive Director; BARA Committee members

Location

• BARA Sydney (CBD) offices
• Domestic & international travel as required

Remuneration

• Competitive salary aligned with senior policy/industry program leadership roles.
• For more information, please contact [email protected]