Role overview

Xero is seeking a Communications Director for the ANZ region to lead how the company’s mission to help small businesses thrive is communicated across Australia and New Zealand. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract role covering parental leave, offering significant exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape regional brand strategy in an organization integrating AI into its operations.

Key responsibilities

Develop and execute the annual ANZ communications strategy while managing executive profiling for the regional Managing Director and senior leadership team.
Direct media relations efforts and oversee external content creation to shape how the Xero brand is perceived across the ANZ market.
Lead proactive and reactive communications planning, including issues management and crisis response to protect brand reputation.
Deliver integrated campaigns across Australia and New Zealand, working with Customer Marketing, Product Marketing, Integrated Marketing and Events teams on programs such as EOFY initiatives.
Manage and mentor a small, skilled communications team to deliver high-quality work aligned with organizational values.
Collaborate closely with Global Communications, Regional Communications, Government Relations, Legal, Customer Experience and Incident Management teams to ensure coordinated messaging.
Measure success through media reach and sentiment, campaign engagement metrics, and regional brand reputation outcomes.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience developing and delivering multi-channel communications strategies within complex, matrixed organizations.
Proven expertise in media relations, customer content development, and issues management with sound judgment in high-stakes situations.
Background working in multinational companies or agencies with established relationships and credibility among executive teams.
Ability to provide strategic counsel to senior stakeholders and executives with clarity and composure when situations are challenging.
Experience managing and coaching teams across marketing and communications functions while collaborating with agency partners.
Genuine interest in small business success and emerging technology, with a curious and experimental mindset toward AI applications balanced with quality standards.

What makes this role worth considering

This hybrid role is based in Melbourne or Sydney, allowing flexibility between office collaboration and remote work with regular team connection days. You will work alongside a skilled ANZ Marketing team and maintain close partnerships with Global Communications, gaining exposure to senior stakeholders and influence over brand strategy at a regional level within a growing technology company.