Work for a dynamic, agenda-setting, not-for-profit organisation

Full time, permanent position with a competitive salary package

Varied, senior policy and research role

Job Summary
The Academy of the Humanities is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Analyst / Policy Manager to support the development and implementation of the Academy’s policy strategy.

About the Academy of the Humanities
The Australian Academy of the Humanities (AAH) is the national voice for cultural, creative and ethical thinking. We promote the study and application of the humanities because recording, explaining and predicting the human story brings distinctive and diverse ideas to decision-making and contributes to a better future for all.

As one of Australia’s five Learned Academies, the AAH has over 700 Fellows who are at the forefront on Australian research and practice in the humanities. The Academy convenes expertise for stakeholders on a range of policy and research priorities, addressing the most challenging issues and priorities of our time – from the development of generative AI and threats to democracy, to climate change, the importance of Asia and cultural literacy and managing the energy transition.

About the Role
The Academy’s Policy and Research team works with our Fellows to provide expert advice to various Government agencies, including the Australian Chief Scientist. The team also facilitates the passage of humanities work into policy contexts. In doing so, the team seeks to strengthen our mutual understanding and influence between humanities scholars and policy makers in government and wider society.

The Senior Policy Analyst reports directly to the Director of Policy and Research. This a hands-on role, with responsibility for the coordination, development and implementation of the Academy’s policy strategy. The position works directly with Fellows to develop evidence-informed policy advice, coordinating research programs and providing analysis of policy issues impacting on the humanities.

This is a great role for an experienced policy/research professional who will revel in working with some of Australia’s foremost thinkers and researchers across the spectrum of humanities disciplines. The role is intellectually challenging and stimulating, with great satisfaction in seeing expertise and advice put into practice.

About you
The position is suited to an experienced policy and research professional, with extensive knowledge of Australia's higher education and research sector. In addition you will possess exemplary collaboration, coordination, communication and stakeholder liaison skills. The position is part of a small and effective secretariat team, who work collaboratively to whole-of-Academy outcomes. The role is advertised as Senior Policy Analyst/ Policy Manager – commensurate with experience.

Experience and qualifications
Candidates will need to demonstrate:

Extensive experience in a policy analyst/manager role.

Ability to research and synthesise complex policy issues and prepare high quality policy advice in a time-critical manner.

Proven data literacy, data collection and quantitative analysis capabilities.

Advanced and persuasive written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate to a wide variety of audiences.

Ability to work both collaboratively and autonomously, with a proactive and accountable approach.

Ability to strategically plan, and prioritise, and undertake review and evaluation to improve policy processes.

Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain productive working relationships and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Highly desirable experience may include:

Well developed understanding of the humanities disciplines within a broader context (societal, political, education sector).

Experience working in a small team environment.

Ability to travel interstate for work (minimal).

Further information
Position Description: http://bit.ly/476ki44

Dr Kylie Brass, Director Policy and Research, Australian Academy of the Humanities, [email protected]

How to apply
If this sounds like a great fit for you, please submit your application including:

Your Resume; and

Cover Letter, summarising how your skills and experience would be a good fit for the role (maximum 2 pages). The Selection Criteria do not need to be addressed separately.

Email your application to [email protected] by 11:59PM Sunday 31 August 2025.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia.

The Australian Academy of the Humanities values social and cultural diversity and is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.