• Based in Ashfield
• Permanent Full Time Role
• Competitive salary for the right candidate plus Salary Packaging Options!

About SSI

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.

About the Function

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.

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

• Drive SSI's government relations strategy at a Federal, State and Local level
• Provide government relations and advocacy advice and support and seek intelligence from key SSI leaders to ensure Government relations results
• With the team ensure bespoke SSI program specific Government Relations Plans are developed and monitored for maximum outcomes, the retention of contracts and pivoting to new business and advocacy opportunities
• Undertake regular reviews and evaluation of government relations activity

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A professional with minimum 10 years experience in government relations, stakeholder management, advocacy, policy review and development, public affairs or political advisory;
• Relevant tertiary degree qualification government affairs, policy, business
• High level interpersonal skills and ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders without direct authority, leveraging relationships and networks to secure outcomes;
• Established working relationships with Government agencies and the offices of political leaders from a cross section of parties;
• Ability to articulate and deliver key messages in all communications, including the ability to translate complex information into impactful, targeted messaging for influence.

About our Benefits

• Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay!
• Industry leading flexible working arrangement supported to work from home and office, including 9-day fortnight;
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth;
• Access to our inhouse 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.

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.