Job Summary
- Applications close:
- Job posted on: 15th Apr 2021
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 provide though leadership within our sector nationally and globally.
The Public Affairs & Communications team is a cross functional team that spans government relations, communications, marketing, stakeholder and community engagement, coordinating SSI's campaigns and advocacy. This broad and multi-disciplinary team is responsible for bringing together and coordinating the voice of SSI and managing stakeholder engagement, influencing strategy and integrated campaigns. The function is responsible for developing strategies to ensure the organisation is best able to leverage external opportunities, to strengthen SSI's position, brand and reputation.
The Head of Government Relations & Advocacy will be responsible for driving timely and impactful political and engagement, analysis and commentary. This will focus on SSI service, sector issues, social policy, and research-related areas, with a view to expand into more general/mainstream topical issues and opportunities.
Reporting to and working closely with the General Manager, Public Affairs & Communications, this role centers on further positioning SSI as a leading contributor to both the sector and broader society. You will also work closely with the Office of the CEO, broader Executive team, and senior leaders to proactively drive government, political, advocacy and PR work to protect and enhance the SSI brand among key stakeholders.
This position has broad impact and requires capabilities across political acumen, relationship management, stakeholder engagement, business collaboration, advisory skills, social policy, writing and presentation skills, influencing skills and external promotion. You will enhance and drive the profile and reputation of SSI through agile advocacy, thought leadership and Government (at all levels) and other influence - both 'behind the scenes' and publicly.
The successful candidate will ideally have:
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.
We encourage candidates to provide a cover letter along with your resume, by submitting online. Should you be successful for the first round of shortlist, one of our Talent Acquisition Specialist will guide you through our process and next steps.
SSI will provide reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. If you require a reasonable adjustment, or want to update your preferred method of communication, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Head of Government Relations & Advocacy enquiry via EthicalJobs, or call Sarah Abdelhady on 02 8799 6700.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following video may contain images and footage of deceased persons - viewer discretion is advised.