Incident Response & Crisis Communications Strategist

Vanguard’s Workplace Solutions team is seeking an Incident Response & Crisis Communications Strategist to lead high‑stakes incident and client communications—someone who can bring clarity, control, and confidence in moments of pressure. This role is ideal for a communicator who has navigated crisis or incident management environments and can translate complex, sensitive issues into clear, steady messaging that builds trust. If you thrive in fast-moving situations, exercise strong judgment under stress, and are passionate about delivering client-first communication that reinforces Vanguard’s reputation, this could be a great fit.

The Incident Response & Crisis Communication Strategist leads external client, incident, and crisis communications for complex, high‑risk initiatives supporting Vanguard’s Workplace Solutions division. This role requires sound judgment and a proven ability to translate sensitive, technical issues into clear, timely messaging while partnering closely with cross‑functional stakeholders to align communications with business outcomes. The Strategist is skilled in selecting the right channels, measuring impact, and continuously strengthening engagement with external client audiences.

What you'll be doing

• Lead incident management and crisis communications for the Vanguard Workplace Solutions (VWS) division, developing and executing clear, timely messaging for external audiences (plan sponsors, consultants, partners) and internal stakeholders across high‑risk, time‑sensitive events. 

• Serve as the primary VWS point of contact during crisis and incident related communications: owning point‑in‑time and ongoing coordination, decisioning, and alignment with Corporate Public Relations and Crisis Communications, Business Continuity Management (BCM), and Incident Response Teams (IRT) at both divisional and enterprise levels. 

• Provides consultation to address external client communication needs for the VWS business. Develops cohesive plans for communicating initiatives and events that are aligned to business outcomes. Assesses and maximizes impact on target external client audiences. 

• Partners with key stakeholders to ensure needs are addressed, various solutions are identified, and delivery of expectations is within scope and capacity. Leads recurring meetings with key stakeholders to continue to improve effectiveness and operational efficiency. 

• Responsible for tracking metrics and measuring the effectiveness of external client communication solutions. Identifies trends for future application. 

• Identifies areas for improvement to enhance the effectiveness of communications and related business objectives. 

• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned. 

Who we're looking for

• Experience translating complex client matters into clear communications  

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Strong portfolio of incident management or crisis communications preferred 

• Proficient in Word Suite of products, PowerPoint, SharePoint

Qualifications

• Minimum five years related work experience.

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.