Multiculturalism Australia

It’s who we are...

Multicultural Australia emerged from a community-based social movement to advance multiculturalism and build communities where everyone belongs.

Since 1998, we have welcomed tens of thousands of individuals from refugee, asylum seeker, international student and migrant backgrounds – with the goal of creating a more equitable and prosperous society.

Today, we are a multicultural for-purpose organisation and settlement provider with a strong and connected physical presence across metropolitan and regional Queensland.

Our clients and community are at the heart of everything we do, and we are passionate about providing care and services in person centred and compassionate ways.

We are also playing our part in influencing the multicultural landscape across Australia.

We work with individuals, communities, business and government to help build a more welcoming Queensland through advocacy, cultural training, community events, employment, youth programs, sports and arts inclusion programs to advance a diverse, inclusive and multicultural community.

We have worked hard to advance multicultural Australia and build communities where everyone belongs. Developing inclusive and prosperous communities, changing the conversation and keeping fit for the future are the strategic pillars that highlight why we exist. They underpin what we do—our services, partnerships and business. Ethical leadership and deep collaboration with community is at the heart of how we work—our culture and practice.

About the role:

Multicultural Australia is currently offering an opportunity for a Research & Advocacy Manager to work as part of our Office of the CEO team. The role is full-time, ongoing and based in Brisbane.

The Research and Advocacy team assists the realisation of the organisation’s vision and mission, with a particular focus on changing the conversation in relation to multiculturalism in Queensland. It contributes to the development and implementation of service and research innovation across the organisation; and assists in building organisational capacity in relation to relevant legal, policy, research, and advocacy issues. The team supports and undertakes essential research, partnerships and collaborations – including, supporting the inclusion of client and community voice in Multicultural Australia’s research and advocacy work.

The Research & Advocacy Manager works closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to provide strategic guidance and advice on key issues and policy relevant to the organisation, the multicultural sector, and the not-for-profit sector at large. The role leads and coordinates research and strategy to support Multicultural Australia – including, information support for relevant stakeholders (staff, Board and community); and the development of an advocacy agenda - maintaining strong relationships with external research and advocacy partners.

Among other duties, the successful candidate will:

• Driving and coordinating the organisation’s contribution to strategic policy and advocacy for the settlement sector on critical issues affecting human rights and equality, multiculturalism, and social justice.
• Managing projects on public policy issues and critical law reform.
• Providing advice to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in relation to ongoing and emerging research and policy issues.
• Managing requests to participate in research and advocacy projects and proactively identifying opportunities for collaboration and participation in research and advocacy work, including relevant campaigns.
• Leading and coordinating quality written materials including, reports, submissions, policy statements
• Representing the organisation at relevant forums – including, parliamentary hearings, inquiries, and events.

What qualifications and skills do I need?

You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have effective communication and interpersonal skills. As well as having a confident and positive personality, you will possess:

1. Possession of a Bachelor level qualification in Law, Government, Social Research and Policy, Community Development, Health or Public Policy, or related field. Post-graduate qualifications are highly desirable.
2. Advanced research and advocacy skills.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
4. Advanced analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
5. Demonstrated understanding of relevant legal and policy issues at the state, national and international level - and preferred experience with law reform and legal policy development.
6. The ability to work within tight deadlines, independently and with minimal supervision.

Successful candidate will be required to have a valid driver’s licence, police check and apply for a Working with Children Blue Card. It is a condition of employment with Multicultural Australia to fulfil all our current and future COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Please peruse the position description on our website for full details about the role here.

How do I apply?

If your next move aligns with this position, please apply directly using the apply link!! You will redirect to our internal recruitment system to register your interest and submit a covering letter along with your resume.

Depending on the volume of applications received we may not be able to respond to all. However, all applications submitted will be thoroughly reviewed to assess suitability for the position. Please note interviews may be held prior to the closing date.

At Multicultural Australia, we pursue a workforce that is as diverse as our community - in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and belief - and reflects the communities we work in. We recognise diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and we are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, and people of diverse genders and/or sexual orientations.