General Manager, Policy and Government Engagement

JSS•Richmond, VA

14d•$178,000 - $178,000•Onsite

About The Position

Jesuit Social Services is seeking a General Manager, Policy and Government Engagement to lead its engagement with governments, parliaments and the public service, and the policy work that supports that engagement. The role sits within the Practice Insights and Advocacy directorate, which connects learning from service delivery, research and lived experience to influence policy and practice. The General Manager will build trusted relationships with decision makers and coordinate engagement across the organisation to ensure a clear, consistent voice. The role leads a small policy and advocacy team, including a Government Engagement Coordinator placement and volunteers, and reports to the Executive Director – Practice Insights and Advocacy. The work spans Commonwealth, Victorian, New South Wales and Northern Territory governments and includes representing Jesuit Social Services in meetings, consultations, inquiries and sector forums. Advocacy is to remain independent of the organisation’s funding and contractual relationships with government. The position is based at the Central Office in Richmond, Victoria, and requires some interstate travel. The employment arrangement is full-time for three years. The salary is $178,000 per annum. Competitive remuneration and salary packaging are offered, along with professional and career development opportunities and generous leave. Appointment is subject to mandatory screening and eligibility requirements: a National Police Check and, where required, an International Police Check; a current Employee Working with Children Check; a valid Australian driver’s licence; and proof of eligibility to work in Australia.

Requirements

A track record of achieving social change through policy and advocacy, drawing agendas from practice and bringing together evidence, practice wisdom and lived experience.
Demonstrated success in government relations, established networks across government and the community sector, and a record of policy influence.
Sound understanding of parliamentary, budget and policy-making processes at Commonwealth and state or territory levels, with the judgement to work within them while protecting organisational independence.
Ability to coordinate and influence across an organisation without direct authority and build shared systems for tracking relationships and impact.
Excellent writing skills, including the ability to prepare concise, persuasive submissions and briefings for senior decision makers.
Experience leading and developing a small team and working closely with senior management.
Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience.
Commitment to Jesuit Social Services’ mission, values and ethos.
A current Employee Working with Children Check.
A valid Australian driver’s licence.
Proof of eligibility to work in Australia.
A National Police Check and an International Police Check where required.

Responsibilities

Lead a government engagement strategy across Commonwealth, Victorian, New South Wales and Northern Territory governments, aligned with parliamentary, budget and election cycles.
Build trusted, non-partisan relationships with ministers, shadow ministers, crossbench members, advisers and senior officials.
Represent Jesuit Social Services in meetings, consultations, inquiries and sector forums.
Work with program teams to identify issues emerging from practice and develop policy solutions focused on prevention, early intervention and systemic change.
Lead submissions, policy positions and briefings that combine evidence, practice wisdom and lived experience, identifying who can act and how.
Create opportunities for people with lived experience to engage directly with decision makers on their own terms, and support approaches led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
Coordinate government engagement across the organisation through shared relationship records, briefings and key messages.
Protect the independence of advocacy from government funding and contractual relationships.
Partner with Communications, Events and Campaigns colleagues, peak bodies, coalitions and research partners to amplify advocacy.
Track and report on policy influence, and bring learning from government back into practice, programs and workforce development.
Lead and develop the policy and advocacy team.