Lead Oxfam Australia’s integrated public engagement strategy, shaping the organisation’s voice, influence and long-term sustainability across advocacy, fundraising, brand, media and supporter engagement.

• Executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive
• Drive strategic integration of engagement, influence and sustainable revenue growth for one of Australia’s most recognised international development organisation
• Melbourne or Sydney based - 5-year contract

Impact of the organisation

At Oxfam Australia, we believe all lives are equal and no-one should live in poverty. Oxfam Australia is part of Oxfam International, a global confederation working with partners and local communities in 76 countries to tackle the inequalities that keep people in poverty.

Oxfam Australia works across humanitarian response, long-term development, gender justice, First Peoples’ justice, climate justice and economic inequality, while advocating for systemic change at national and international levels.

As Oxfam Australia continues to evolve its public engagement approach, there is a significant opportunity to strengthen integration across advocacy, communications, fundraising, philanthropy and supporter engagement to deepen public connection, increase influence and drive long-term financial sustainability.

Impact you will have in this role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Director of Public Engagement plays a central leadership role in advancing Oxfam Australia’s objectives by shaping and leading an integrated engagement strategy across advocacy, marketing, communications, fundraising, media, government relations and supporter engagement.

Leading a multidisciplinary team of senior leaders, you will provide overall leadership of Oxfam Australia’s public engagement, philanthropy, fundraising, supporter activation and media functions, ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence and long-term organisational sustainability.

This role holds enterprise-level accountability for financial sustainability, brand integrity, advocacy impact and organisational reputation. A key focus of the role will be strengthening Oxfam Australia’s position as a trusted and influential voice on national and international humanitarian and development issues, while driving sustainable income growth and meaningful public engagement.

You will lead the development of a clear and compelling organisational narrative that strengthens both internal and public understanding, connection and engagement across all external channels, while ensuring cohesive storytelling, strong brand stewardship and integrated supporter experiences.

This role also requires strong executive leadership capability, with responsibility for enabling and mobilising senior leaders and teams through change, innovation and continuous improvement to ensure Oxfam Australia’s ongoing sustainability and strategic success.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Oxfam Australia’s integrated engagement strategy, balancing advocacy impact, public influence and sustainable revenue generation
• Provide strategic leadership across public engagement, philanthropy, fundraising, supporter activation, marketing, communications, media and advocacy functions
• Lead Oxfam Australia’s positioning as a trusted and influential voice on key national and international humanitarian and development issues
• Oversee brand strategy, narrative development and public engagement to strengthen visibility, credibility and supporter connection across all external channels
• Provide senior leadership of media engagement and crisis communications strategies, acting as a spokesperson on complex or sensitive issues when required
• Drive sustainable and diversified revenue growth across philanthropy, digital, individual giving and broader fundraising and engagement programs, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and risk appetite
• Lead the development and oversight of multi-year investment strategies, financial plans and resource allocation to support long-term organisational sustainability
• Champion innovation across engagement, fundraising and supporter strategies, encouraging responsible experimentation, learning and adaptation
• Use data, insights and evidence to guide strategic decision-making, investment priorities and organisational outcomes
• Lead and enable a multidisciplinary team of senior leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders including government, media, supporters and sector partners
• Actively contribute as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic insight on engagement, advocacy, partnerships and revenue matters
• Support the Chief Executive and Board through reporting and strategic advice relating to public engagement, advocacy and fundraising performance

Skills and experience

• Executive or senior leadership experience across integrated public engagement, marketing, communications, fundraising, advocacy or media functions
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary senior teams within complex, mission-driven environments
• Strong experience shaping and stewarding a compelling organisational or INGO brand across multiple public-facing channels
• Demonstrated success leading integrated engagement strategies that combine advocacy, communications, fundraising and supporter engagement
• Experience leading media engagement and crisis communications, including acting as a spokesperson on complex or sensitive issues
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including oversight of complex budgets, multi-year investment strategies and sustainable revenue growth
• High-level stakeholder engagement and influencing capability across government, media, supporters and external partners
• Strong strategic thinking capability, with the ability to align organisational narrative, engagement and income generation strategies
• Experience using data, insight and evidence to inform strategic decisions, innovation and organisational performance
• Willingness and ability to undertake occasional interstate and international travel as required for organisational and stakeholder engagement activities
• Commitment to social justice, equity and Oxfam Australia’s mission, values and safeguarding principles

What Oxfam Australia can offer you

• The opportunity to use your expertise to help drive meaningful change and social impact globally
• Superior leave benefits and access to generous not-for-profit salary packaging benefits
• Flexible working arrangements that support wellbeing and work/life commitments
• Superannuation matching
• A values-driven culture grounded in Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability and Courage

Oxfam Australia is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct. Oxfam Australia is committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through its Codes of Conduct and safeguarding policies.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core to who we are. We actively seek to create a workplace that reflects the communities we are a part of, where everyone feels safe, respected and able to thrive.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive - please let us know if you need adjustments at any stage.

Applications

Please apply by uploading your resume.

Please direct all enquiries to Shonagh Dimmick at Impact Advising on [email protected] using the subject line: Director of Public Engagement - Oxfam Australia - Melbourne / Sydney enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Impact Advising is committed to creating diverse and inclusive work environments that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities. We believe that diversity enriches organisations and fosters innovation. We are dedicated to building workforces that are representative of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our society. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and cultural background. We actively seek to foster inclusive workplaces where all employees can bring their whole selves to work, feel respected and valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement. We are committed to providing a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and we strive to eliminate any barriers that may impede the inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups in the workforce.