abut the role

Applications are invited for a ​full-time, ongoing Chief of Staff for independent Nicolette Boele MP, Federal Member for Bradfield. The position will either be based in the Member’s ​Electorate Office (Lindfield NSW 2070) with regular travel to Canberra​ or will be based in Canberra with regular travel to the Electorate Office.

Nicolette and her team are committed to doing politics differently, with and for the community and experts, not behind party room doors and for the benefit of usual suspects. She won on a platform of addressing the cost of living, taking meaningful and urgent action on climate change, and tackling housing availability and affordability today and for the next generation.

The Chief of Staff is the Member’s most senior adviser, providing overall support and guidance on strategy, policy, media and communications, and constituent engagement.

The role has direct line report and involves broad team management via the Electorate Office Manager. The role reports to the Member.

The role will involve regular travel to Canberra (if based in the electorate office) or the Electorate Office (if based in Canberra). Irregular work hours are to be expected, particularly during parliamentary sitting weeks.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with the skills, experience and desire to play a senior role in Australian politics. Strong values-alignment with the Member is essential.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• The Chief of Staff’s primary function is to provide strategic team leadership and high-quality advice and support to the Member across policy, staff management and political matters.
• Strategy and planning: Work with the Member to develop and implement the Team Nic strategy, including stakeholder engagement, progress tracking and periodic reviews.
• National policy: Provide advice and support to the Member on parliamentary matters including legislative processes and parliamentary business. Provide advice and support to the Member on policy issues and ensure the Electorate Office team is updated on key developments. Advise and support the Member on a variety of negotiations, meetings and consultations.
• Media and communications: Provide oversight of strategic communications and political work including consistent messaging across social media, newsletters, paid advertising and local media. Prepare the Member for appearances and media events (speeches and briefings).
• Team and office management: Foster a collaborative and collegiate working environment across the Electorate and Parliamentary Offices. Coordinate meetings, support team performance management, and contribute to recruitment and HR decisions. Work with the Member and the Electorate Office Manager as a line manager with direct reports. Set clear expectations, model respectful behaviour and promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Community engagement: Support the planning of the community engagement strategy. Provide high-level oversight of key projects (e.g. events, surveys) and general engagement with the volunteer base.
• Other duties as required to support the Member and the effective operation of the Electorate Office: Attend events and functions with and on behalf of the Member as required. Represent the Member in meeting with government and parliamentary officers, and other stakeholders.

Skills and experience

• Ability to build and maintain professional working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a high-pressure environment as part of a team.
• Developed knowledge of the political process and the Australian parliamentary and political system.
• Demonstrated capacity to apply analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills in developing and proposing solutions for complex issues.
• Ability to liaise with stakeholders in relation to the preparation of policy and legislative documents.
• Ability to analyse and prepare reports, papers, policy statements, briefing notes and statistical information.
• Proven proactive and effective leadership and management capacity in demanding professional circumstances.
• Demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• A respectful demeanour when engaging with office staff, constituents and volunteers.

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 which include:

• A commencing salary between $109,788 and $154,780 – plus an optional allowance of up to $34,223 in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work – will be negotiated depending on experience and relevant skills. Salary plus allowances for this role is therefore up to $189,003.
• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).
• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

Applicants should note the following:

• An initial probationary period of three months may apply and may be subject to extension.
• The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.
• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

next steps

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