• Hybrid office and work from home
• Full-time ongoing
• For purpose meaningful work

The Position

Reporting to the CFO, you will operate as the Australian Association of Social Workers [AASW] principal advisor and advocate on all matters relating to social policy and advocacy and lead the social policy & advocacy team in the development and implementation of informed and cogent policies, campaigns and advocacy strategies that help to position and promote AASW as a leading advocate in these areas.

About the Association

The AASW is the professional representative body of social workers in Australia, with approximately 16,000 members. The AASW sets the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work and has a strong voice on matters of social justice, human rights and issues that impact upon the quality of life of all Australians.

What our team thinks …

We are proud to share highlights from our recent staff culture survey. Responding with ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’, our team reports:

94% - find professional meaning in my work

88% - are proud to work with us

90% - would recommend the AASW as a good place to work

Your Key Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include [not limited to] the following:

• Ensure the provision of timely and informed advice and information to the CEO on social policy/advocacy matters
• Develop strategic and effective relationships with government, advisors and stakeholders, to drive the AASW’s policy agenda
• Lead the Social Policy and Advocacy Team in the development and implementation of informed and cogent policies and strategies
• In consultation with the CEO, lead the planning, development, and execution of AASW's campaign efforts in relation to social policy and advocacy and professional advocacy issues aligned to AASW's strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain a national network of stakeholders who can provide expertise and insight across a range of emerging issues relating to key areas.
• Represent AASW and the profession at a range of external and internal forums, including Senate hearings, government enquiries and at events involving other professional membership bodies, peak bodies.
• Lead and manage the service areas in the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and delivery of department activities.

Please refer to the position description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.

Key selection criteria

• Tertiary qualified with relevant post-graduate degree
• Significant professional experience developing policy and advocating positions to government and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience developing high level campaigns and submissions related to policy and advocacy strategies.
• Highly developed written, research and analytical skills.
• Depth of understanding of social disadvantage particularly within the Aboriginal community and practical experience of developing and implementing initiatives which support community engagement, reconciliation and empowerment.
• Demonstrated capability of managing competing work demands in a complex environment and achieving accurate and excellent outcomes within tight delivery timelines.
• Experienced people manager with demonstrated capabilities of managing for effective performance outcomes including team capability and capacity building and managing employee engagement.
• Highly articulate and inspiring communicator with a significant level of experience of working with a range of high profile, influential stakeholders, building productive, collaborative and value-add relationships.
• Significant understanding and practical experience of working within Australia's state and federal government arrangements within the social policy context.
• Experience in the development of social policy related media/communications/media strategy and implementation plan.

Please direct any queries to: [email protected] using the subject line: Manager, Social Policy & Advocacy enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.