• Shape national conversations
• Challenge assumptions
• Amplify the expertise and experiences of people with disability
• Influence public policy
• Drive systemic change

At the Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), we believe communications is advocacy.

Every media interview, opinion piece, campaign, government engagement and public statement is an opportunity to strengthen disability advocacy, elevate the expertise and experiences of people with disability, and influence the policies and systems that shape our lives.

We're looking for an exceptional leader to help us do exactly that.

About DANA

DANA is the national representative body for independent disability advocacy organisations across Australia.

We are a proudly disability-led organisation working to strengthen independent disability advocacy, influence national policy and ensure the expertise and lived experience of people with disability shapes the decisions that are made.

This new senior leadership role recognises communications as one of DANA's most powerful advocacy tools.

About the opportunity

Lead the communications strategy behind one of Australia's leading disability advocacy organisations and help shape the national conversation on disability rights and systemic reform.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead DANA's communications and government relations strategy, positioning the organisation as a trusted and influential national expert with government, media, policy makers and the disability sector.

You will help shape public conversations around disability rights and systemic reform, identify opportunities to influence national debate, and ensure DANA's expertise informs the people and institutions that shape policy and practice.

You'll work alongside our CEO and senior leadership team to provide trusted strategic advice, prepare spokespersons for high-profile media opportunities, build influential media relationships and develop compelling narratives that connect policy, evidence and lived experience.

You'll also lead a small communications team, creating an environment where strategic communications capability is embedded across the organisation and supports every aspect of DANA's advocacy.

You'll combine strategic leadership with direct involvement in high-value communications work: advising the CEO on complex media issues, preparing spokespersons for national media opportunities, building relationships with influential journalists and shaping advocacy campaigns that influence government policy and drive systemic change.

About you

You're an experienced strategic communications, public affairs or media leader who thrives in complex environments and knows how to turn ideas, evidence and lived experience into influence.

You may currently work in:

• a national peak body or advocacy organisation
• journalism or broadcast media
• political or ministerial communications
• government or public affairs
• a human rights, social justice or representative organisation
• another purpose-driven organisation where communications has been central to influencing policy, government decision-making or systemic reform.

Most importantly, you'll bring:

• demonstrated experience leading strategic communications, media or public affairs in complex environments
• excellent political judgement and the ability to identify opportunities to influence public conversations
• established relationships across media and the ability to build trusted partnerships with journalists
• exceptional writing, storytelling and strategic communication skills
• experience advising senior executives or organisational leaders
• confidence managing sensitive issues, reputational risk and competing priorities
• the ability to work collaboratively across teams while operating with a high degree of autonomy
• a genuine commitment to the rights, leadership and inclusion of people with disability.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of professional backgrounds. If you've built your expertise through journalism, media, advocacy, government, politics or public affairs, and you're excited by the opportunity to use those skills to create meaningful social change, we encourage you to apply.

Why join DANA?

Lead a communications function that's central to advocacy and national influence.

Support DANA's role as Australia's peak organisation for independent disability advocacy.

Work directly with an experienced CEO, collaborate with a passionate disability-led team and help strengthen the impact of disability advocacy.

Most importantly, ensure the knowledge, expertise and experiences of people with disability influence the decisions that affect their lives.

We encourage applications from people with disability.

DANA is committed to building a diverse, accessible and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We strongly encourage applications from people with disability and from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please reach out to [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Manager - Communications and Government Relations - Remote / Work from Home enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Apply

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

DANA is a proudly disability-led organisation and people with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Adjustments are available on request throughout the recruitment process and for the successful candidate.

DANA recognises the rich diversity of people across Australia and is committed to ensuring that our team reflects the diverse community it serves.

People with disability, First Nations people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.