This is a role for someone who understands the union movement, believes in it and knows how to make it stronger.

The PSA is entering a new phase of leadership with a clear objective: to re-establish itself as one of the most effective, visible and powerful unions in South Australia - winning for members, shaping public debate and the future of the public sector.

We are looking for a senior leader to help drive that work from the centre of the organisation.

About the Role

Working directly with the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary, you will sit at the heart of the PSA’s strategy and operations.

This is a role that connects the dots - across industrial, organising, campaigns and communications - ensuring the union is aligned, disciplined and focused on winning outcomes.

You will:

• Collaboratively drive and lead enterprise bargaining, including the Salaried Agreement covering approximately 35,000 public sector workers.
• Bring a sharp industrial and political lens to strategy and decision-making.
• Help shape campaigns that build pressure and deliver results.
• Support industrial, organising and communications working together - not separately.
• Lead the communications and campaigns function.

This is not a back-room policy role.

It is about influence, coordination and impact.

About You

• You understand unions because you’ve worked in one - or closely alongside them.
• You are politically aware, strategically sharp and outcomes-focused.
• You understand how government works, how narratives are shaped, and how to turn pressure into results.
• You are comfortable operating at a senior level and in complex, high-pressure environments.
• You are comfortable operating at a senior level and in complex, high-pressure environments.

You know:

• how industrial strategy connects to organising.
• how campaigns shift outcomes.
• how to read the political environment and use it.
• how to balance member expectations, industrial realities and strategic opportunity.

You bring:

Strong experience in a union or industrial environment (highly desirable).

• Demonstrated involvement in enterprise bargaining or industrial negotiations.
• A deep understanding of industrial relations frameworks and workplace reform.
• Political awareness and an ability to anticipate and respond to external pressures.
• The ability to coordinate across teams and drive a unified direction.

Union experience and mindset are essential. Backgrounds in industrial relations, law, journalism, or public policy will be highly regarded.

Why This Role

• Be part of rebuilding a major union at a critical moment.
• Work directly with senior leadership.
• Influence strategy, campaigns and major industrial outcomes.
• Play a key role in delivering real change for tens of thousands of workers.
• This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help lead the return of the PSA as a powerful force for public sector workers in South Australia.

Culture and benefits of working at the PSA:

• Wellbeing support: paid wellbeing days
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Access to membership benefits including discounts, and Journey Accident insurance
• Inclusive employer, embracing diversity and union values
• High performing, energetic team, committed to social justice and supporting our members in the public sector

next steps

For further information about the position or for a copy of the job and person specification please email [email protected] using the subject line: Manager - Strategy and Coordination enquiry via EthicalJobs

Apply now and be part of something bigger than a job – be part of a movement delivering real change for tens of thousands of workers.

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by 5:00PM (ACST) the closing date.