Retail Drinks Australia (RDA) is the peak national industry body representing the interests of Australia's $18 billion retail liquor sector. With a vision to enhance the freedom to retail responsibly, our objective is to nurture a stable political, social and commercial environment in which the retail liquor industry may grow sustainably.

RDA is currently seeking suitable candidates for the new role of Policy & Advocacy Advisor - a key role responsible for supporting RDA's policy and advocacy priorities, under the direction of the General Manager, Policy & Strategy.

The role helps to maintain and elevate the reputation and trust of the retail liquor industry through meaningful, evidence-based advocacy, assisting efforts to achieve our vision and objectives.

This position has an external-facing component, with key responsibilities including engagement with members, affiliated organisations, government stakeholders and industry partners, with a genuine opportunity to grow and develop within a respected industry organisation that is a unified voice for its sector.

Responsibilities:

Focus Area 1: Proactive and Effective Policy & Advocacy

Core responsibility: Support and assist

Focused responsibilities:

Policy development and advocacy support:

Support the General Manager, Policy & Strategy to draft policy submissions and briefing materials.

Conduct research for discussion papers and advocacy strategies.

Monitor government policy and regulatory trends.

Assist dissemination of research and intelligence.

Strategic communications support:

Assist with eDMs, social media, member updates and campaign communications.

Undertake media monitoring and campaign tracking.

Assist in campaign execution with internal and external partners.

Other duties and responsibilities:

Assist with the implementation of the RDA Strategic Plan.

Focus Area 1: Championing Industry Responsibility

Core responsibility: Support and assist

Focused responsibilities:

Support the development, execution and continuous improvement of RDA’s Industry Responsibility initiatives, including: the Online Alcohol Sale & Delivery Code of Conduct, Choose to DrinkWise, ID25, Don’t Buy It For Them, the Product Ranging Guidelines, and Safe to Serve.

Provide operational support of RDA’s two (2) active Committees: (1) the Code Administration Committee; and (2) the Safe to Serve Committee.

Contribute to building strong, proactive and effective working relationships with RDA members and key stakeholders, including but not limited to: DrinkWise Australia, the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, Liquor Accords, as well as all relevant Federal, State & Territory Government stakeholders.

Strengthen stakeholder awareness, compliance, and engagement with responsibility programs and foster partnerships to advance the effectiveness of the responsibility initiatives.

Advise the General Manager, Policy & Strategy, CEO, and Board (as required) on industry responsibility initiatives.

Focus Area 3: Effective team and industry contributor

Core responsibility: Proactively contribute

Focused responsibilities:

Represent the organisation with government and industry stakeholders as required.

Support the organisation on national and/or international working groups and forums as required.

Support the organisation’s industry responsibility initiatives and programs.

Promote the benefits of the organisation with stakeholders and prospective members.

Contribute to a strong and collaborative organisational culture.

Support delivery of RDA programs and events.

Key Capabilities and Experience:

Demonstrated experience (+5 years) in public policy, corporate affairs, or social responsibility in a government, corporate or industry association environment.

Understanding of complex regulatory environments.

Proven stakeholder engagement skills including a demonstrated ability to navigate the regulatory landscape, government bureaucracy and leverage multiple engagement channels.

Proven ability to prioritise and deliver high-impact projects with limited resources.

Media engagement experience is advantageous.

Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, including influencing complex stakeholder groups with diverse interests.

Passion for industry responsibility and reputation.

Key Benefits:

National role with exposure to senior industry leaders and key government stakeholders.

Hybrid (flexible) working arrangements, including the opportunity to travel.

Small but effective and positive team/culture.

Growth opportunity within the organisation and/or industry.

Real opportunity to help make a lasting impact.

Applications close on Friday 14th November 2025.