Associate Director, Public Affairs

Associate Director, Public Affairs – Clients & Strategy

IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We believe healthy returns depend on healthy economic, environmental and social systems - and these are evolving on a scale never experienced before. To find opportunity, build value and meet the needs of future generations, you need scale, skill and expertise. That's what IFM Investors has built up over 30 years.

With assets under management of approximately $267.6 AUD billion (at 31 March 2026), we prioritise the interests of over 849 institutional investors worldwide. IFM operates from 17 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.

The Opportunity

At IFM, you're not just part of an investment company – but an invested one. We see the work we do as the chance to take sustainable, responsible steps forward for millions of people around the world. So, we have made sure to create a workplace that's inclusive, accountable and collaborative. Where you're given the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution and grow your skills. All while feeling valued and supported for who you are and what you bring to the team. Along with the chance to make a meaningful, positive difference from day one, we offer a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. Our hybrid and flexible approach can vary by team and role, it is built around trust. We encourage our people to manage their work life rhythm in a way that works best for them and their teams.

Business Overview

Our Clients & Strategy team covers Business Development, Investor Relations, External Relations, Sustainable Investment and Brand, Marketing & Communications, including Internal Communications. It is responsible for all communications to investor prospects, existing investors and their asset consultants, as well as a broad range of other stakeholders, including governments and media.

The Role

IFM's Global External Relations Team's objective is to implement an integrated global public affairs strategy that authentically positions IFM in a way that reflects its values, heritage, and purpose, and assists with efforts to protect, enhance, and distinguish IFM's reputation and help drive capital raising and deal flow.

The Associate Director – Public Affairs contributes to the policy, strategy, government, owner and stakeholder relations function within the Global External Relations team. This function provides (i) advice to investment teams and other business units regarding relations with government and civil society, Unions, public policy analysis, and broader stakeholder relations, (ii) advice and execution on IFM corporate-level relations with government and civil society, unions, public policy analysis, and stakeholder relations.

Activities critical to this role include:

• Supporting the development and implementation of stakeholder and government engagement strategies.
• Building and enhancing trusted relationships with policy decision makers, industry participants, shareholders, civil society, unions, peak groups and federal, state and local government stakeholders to promote awareness of IFM and its purpose, advance our public policy advocacy priorities and manage political and regulatory risks in the North American market.
• Preparing and supporting IFM colleagues to engage effectively with external stakeholders.
• Providing advice to and working constructively with IFM investment teams and other business units.
• Supporting and implementing an integrated public affairs strategy including government and corporate communication programs, executive communication and deal communication.
• Managing complex media, communications and reputation management issues
• Managing internal IFM governance and internal stakeholder relations regarding strategic engagement, including the preparation of board reports and briefing materials.
• Preparing policy, research and issues briefs and maintaining stakeholder engagement frameworks.

Note: This role will require some work outside of standard business hours in order to align with global time zones.

Strategic Planning

• Identify and evaluate policy opportunities and risks
• Development and application of best practice policy and analytical frameworks
• Assessment of options against quantitative and qualitative factors
• Development of strategic options that can challenge other parts of the company and/or other industry participants
• Advising and evaluating strategic plans developed by others

Business Performance

• Identify, develop and promote relationship opportunities with civil society that advance the public interest and long-term interests of IFM, pension fund investors, and other key stakeholders
• Identify, develop and promote public policy positions that advance the public interest and long-term interests of pension fund investors
• Contribute to forums to enhance stakeholder awareness of IFM
• Enhance IFM's brand and support with stakeholders

Policy and Process Management

• Understand and comply with IFM's policies and procedures.
• Understand and demonstrate IFM's cultural foundations
• Understands the requirements of IFM compliance and IFM Group Risk Management Plan.
• Your Background and Experience
• 10+ years in civil society, public policy design, advocacy, research, and analysis, ideally in investment-related subject matters.
• Experience in business planning, reporting, people management at an Executive level - Project management expertise
• Experience managing media/pr/corporate communications environment
• Understanding of the strategic objectives of key IFM stakeholders, including shareholders
• Understanding of the policy and stakeholder environment in which IFM Investors operates
• Understanding of funds management industry, civil society, public policy development, and/or research and analysis
• Understanding and experience with trade associations and other member-focused organisations
• Detailed understanding of the policy and stakeholder environment in which IFM Investors operates.
• In-depth understanding of pension funds and institutional investment, funds management industry, civil society linkages, public policy development, research and analysis
• Understanding of the strategic objectives of key IFM stakeholders
• Ability to execute projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Understanding of the use of investment policy
• Understanding of the application of ESG Principles
• Civil society and multilateral organisations, relationships, and procedures
• CRM systems

Qualifications

• Degree required in law, public policy, or similarly relevant area
• Established relationships with civil society groups in North America
• Detailed understanding of the policy and stakeholder environment in which IFM Investors operates.
• In-depth understanding of pension funds and institutional investment, funds management industry, civil society linkages, public policy development, research and analysis
• Understanding of the strategic objectives of key IFM stakeholders
• Ability to execute projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Understanding of the use of investment policy
• Understanding of the application of ESG Principles

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Exact compensation amount may vary and will be determined by several components including but not limited to the individual's experience, skills and qualifications. Total compensation for this role includes eligibility for a discretionary performance-based bonus.

$162,000 – $245,000

IFM also offers robust benefits offerings which include but is not limited to Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision plans (significant employer subsidy), 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Benefits and Headspace subscription.

IFM Investors is committed to promoting an inclusive culture where all employees are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We champion all groups regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or family status. We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you require specific support at any stage of the recruitment process at View email address on click.appcast.io