The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) is the peak body representing the $9bn plantation forestry and wood fibre industry in Victoria.

Our members span the full value chain—from tree growers and harvesters to processors and advanced manufacturers of timber and wood fibre products.

VFPA advocates for policy settings that enable a strong and sustainable industry, supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy and helping meet the demand for more housing and timber products.

The Role

Are you interested in politics or public policy?

VFPA is seeking a Communications and Policy Officer to join our small, high-impact team for a 12-month contract, with the possibility of extension.

This position is ideal for a high achiever with recent tertiary qualifications or relevant experience in communications, public policy, journalism, or a related field.

You will function as a communications ‘all-rounder’, gaining valuable on-the-job experience in political advocacy and industry communications, whilst working closely with the CEO to support VFPA’s policy agenda. You will contribute to media content, submissions, stakeholder briefings, and industry events.

This is a full-time ‘hybrid role’, working from our Collingwood office, and also your home office. The salary is $70,000 plus superannuation. Note: part-time candidates may be considered, based on experience.

Key Responsibilities

· Draft clear, professional written content including media releases, policy submissions, newsletters, and web updates

· Support the development and implementation of VFPA’s communications including managing social media channels (especially LinkedIn)

· Conduct research and prepare briefing notes, presentations, and talking points for the CEO and industry stakeholders

· Assist with event coordination, including stakeholder roundtables, briefings, and parliamentary functions

· Contribute to stakeholder engagement and maintain contact databases

· Provide general administrative support, as required in a small and dynamic team

About You

· A strong writer, with excellent attention to detail

· Politically aware, curious, and interested in public policy and government processes

· Willing to pitch in across both communications, admin and policy tasks, big or small

· Comfortable juggling multiple priorities and deadlines

· Familiar with Microsoft Office and basic digital platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Canva, WordPress)

Qualifications and Experience

· Strong academic record with tertiary qualifications in communications, agriculture, public policy, business, journalism, political science, or a related discipline.

About VFPA

VFPA is a policy development and advocacy group which represents the interests of Victoria’s wood fibre industry.

VFPA represents all elements of the value chain from the sustainable harvesting of plantations, though to forest establishment and management, haulage, processing of timber resources and manufacture of pulp, paper and bioproducts.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, please send your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be assessed as we receive them.

Please Note: Unfortunately, we are unable to respond directly to every applicant, however, you will be contacted if you have been shortlisted for an interview.