Here is a role that will suit someone with an exceptional understanding of the strategic policy and political landscape at all levels of government!

We want to hear from you if you are a seasoned government relations manager looking for a big, meaty role; a strategic policy advisor with a passion for government and diplomacy; or a strategic advocacy and engagement specialist with a particular interest in developing a deeper knowledge of parliamentary processes and how to influence to make meaningful impact.

We have a permanent opportunity for an experienced people leader to join a small, high-performing team responsible for navigating a large non-Commonwealth organisation through the complexity of governmental processes, the political landscape, and key policies impacting them now and into the future.

The key function of this team is to lead engagement with all levels of government, develop strategies to advocate for the organisation's best interests and deliver a parliamentary strategy that will enable this important national organisation to achieve its' mission and strategic priorities. The environment is fast-paced, dynamic and demanding; but this doesn't daunt you, instead it inspires you. You are excited by the opportunity to get your hands dirty and work as part of a small team to rebuild this government relations function and position it as a proactive, mature, and forward-thinking capability able to advance and protect the interests and reputation of a long-standing national institution.

So, what will be your key focus areas and deliverables?

While the work of the team is shared amongst all, you will take the lead on the development of an engagement strategy that will promote the interests of the organisation through identification of the key thematic areas that align to the organisation’s strategic goals. Think traditional strategic policy and advocacy work in an innovative, dynamic environment with a multitude of national and international pressures, factors and influences that mean no two days are ever the same.

You will draw upon your government relations, public policy, or advocacy and engagement experience to navigate a diverse range of complex issues that exist now and expertly scan the horizon to ensure future issues are identified, strategized and addressed to keep the organisation forging forward successfully. Once these themes have been identified, you will consult and seek executive support on key priorities before designing an advocacy and engagement plan to address them.

Now, we did say this would be demanding, the above deliverables will be something you manage concurrently with the daily requirements that could include parliamentary briefing, advocating with external stakeholders and showcasing the organisational outcomes on both a national and international stage, developing capability internally to meet these goals, and maintaining a well-informed understanding of the political and policy landscape to help drive an organisational shift from reactive to proactive.

What do you need to be successful in this position?

Your deep understanding of politics and policy ensures you easily navigate, and accurately interrogate, what government is thinking. Your curiosity and strategic judgement can translate that knowledge into an impactful plan for the future.

You are an influential communicator, you come at it without ego. Diplomacy is your super-power, and you excel in developing relationships with a diverse range of individuals and stakeholder groups.

Energy and drive are in your DNA. You have a demonstrated success repeatedly in complex and different environments, able to adapt and learn quickly and effectively. Your collaborative spirit and engaging personality enable you to build strong relationships and networks that you can effectively call on in times of need, they know you will do the same for them. Underpinning this all is a level of resilience that is not only innate, but has been further developed through your exposure to, and success in, some tough and complex operating environments.

Finally, you are patient. Confident that your knowledge, judgement, and experience equips you to effectively prepare and inform your leadership team on how to position the organisation to resonate powerfully with all levels of Government.

What's in it for you?

This role will challenge you. It will expose you to a level of complexity that few have experienced before. If that scares you, then this is not for you.

However, if all you hear see is opportunity, professional growth, and personal development then it's possible for this one to be your professional match.

You will get to work with some of the most intelligent and diverse executives in the country. This is an environment that is inspiring and innovative, no two days will be the same.

Finally, there are exceptional employment conditions that include attractive superannuation, 35-hour work week and commitment to professional development. You can expect $130,000 - $140,000 as a base annual salary.

If you think this could be a great fit for you then please reach out today for a confidential chat and a full position description. You will need to apply with your CV and a statement of claims addressing the criteria in the position description.

Contact Alex Elliott at [email protected] or on 0468 554 655