• Do you want to work for a leading national not-for-profit organisation providing dedicated human and social services to a diverse Australia?
• With community at the heart of everything we do, our purpose is to create a world in which everyone has access to equal opportunities.

About You

This is a career-building opportunity for a public policy or government relations specialist to join SSI’s Stakeholder Relations, Research & Policy Division to achieve our impact strategy.

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in staying on top of the evolving social policy landscape across both state and federal levels and offer valuable insights on emerging issues and government policy to internal stakeholders. Working closely with internal stakeholders, you will develop evidenced-based policy positions to inform and assist senior leaders engage and negotiate with policymakers on policy and funding reforms. You will also actively engage with key political offices across state and federal governments in areas of key interest to SSI securing meetings, attendance at major events and advice on key issues. In this critical, high impact and high visibility role for SSI, you will report to and work closely with the Head of Government Relations and Stakeholder, Relations, Research & Policy Division ensuring impactful engagement across the internal and external landscape.

You will be someone with who has a strong understanding of policy-making process and broader government and political landscape. You will have demonstrated experience in establishing relationships with government officials, writing and conducting policy briefs, advisory skills as well as excellent communication, written and presentation skills

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement SSI’s jurisdictional government relations plans (Commonwealth, NSW, QLD and VIC jurisdictions) and bespoke program specific plans
• Engage with Local, State and Federal Government political stakeholders to advance SSI’s Impact Strategy and organisational goals
• Monitor the policy and political landscape and synthesise this to inform organisational decision-making including election cycles and state and federal budgets
• Provide impactful political analysis, advice and commentary through the provision of reports and briefings
• Draft formal briefs and letters to government stakeholders, arrange meetings/briefings with political representatives on behalf of the business and executives and prepare for those meetings

Essential Criteria

• Experience working in government policy development, public relations or a political advisory role
• Experience working in State or Federal government, parliamentary, political systems and processes
• Ability to develop strong relationships with government stakeholders
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues and concepts into clear and persuasive communications
• Effective organisational and planning skills
• Thorough understanding of political processes and policy development
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and within a team
• Capacity to act as an advisor to senior representatives of the organisation
• Tertiary degree in communications, public policy, social science, international relations, or another relevant discipline (or equivalent).

About us

Settlement Services International (SSI Group) is a community-based organisation and social business that supports newcomers and Australians to achieve their full potential. Taking an integrated approach how everyone can thrive within the community in which they live and the wider Australian society, we support children, young people and families; people living with disability; and asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Our programs include facilitating employment, multicultural foster care, creating community engagement, advocacy, and influencing government and international affairs and providing leadership within our sector nationally and globally.

About our Benefits

• Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay!
• Industry leading hybrid and flexible working arrangement supporting work from home and office, including the opportunity of a 9-day fortnight;
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Access to our in-house wellbeing programs
• Working alongside professional and dedicated team members all wanting to make a difference in our communities.

About our Recruitment Process

At SSI we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, contractors and volunteers. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment.

Our commitment to Diversity

SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. SSI expects all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so. This is also a pre-condition to ongoing employment.

Should you require further information about the role please contact SSI’s Head of Government Relations Dr Kath McFarlane at [email protected] using the subject line: Government Relations Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If you would like more information on the recruitment process, please contact the talent acquisition team at [email protected] or [email protected].

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks. Should you require adjustments please email us at [email protected].