Senior Adviser, Policy, Advocacy and Research

• Join a progressive and innovative organisation committed to social change and advocacy
• Apply your advanced communication skills to inform and influence public policy 
• Flexible Friendly organisation, hybrid work options available

The Benevolent Society’s vision is to build a just society where all Australians can live their best life. For more than 200 years we have supported people at the margins of society: children, young people, and their families; First Nations Australians; older people; carers and people with disability. We are an independent, non-religious service provider which supports people to live life their way. We use our practice wisdom to mobilise social movements that advocate for anyone in need and create social change. 

We aim to influence social change, to contribute to a more just society for all Australians. Our priority social impact areas reflect our practice expertise in child, youth and family services, aged care services and disability services, as well as the broader areas of First Nations engagement and collaboration; building the care and support economy and driving meaningful and enduring systems change to address complex social problems. The Impact Team is a small and dynamic team based in the TBS national office in Glebe.

Duties

• Develop the policy, social change platforms and evidence bases upon which to advocate for national reform in the TBS priority social impact areas
• Engage with key policy makers and influencers, campaign partners and supporters
• Advise on policy positions related to TBS priority social impact areas and coordinate input into relevant government inquiries
• Develop advocacy strategies to drive social policy change
• Collaborate in translating research and evaluation outputs into policy and advocacy recommendations and collateral
• Work with internal stakeholders to build understanding and support for advocacy initiatives and priorities, and work with external stakeholders, peer agencies, public sector and elected officials to advance TBS’ goals in the TBS priority social impact areas

Our Benefits   

We support people to live their best life. That includes you, our employee. A ‘best life’ is unique to everyone and can change as life changes. Here are a few things you might be interested in:   

• Salary Benefits - You can package up to $15,900 pa of you pre-tax salary to pay for everyday expenses before income tax is calculated, meaning you take home even more pay!
• Motor Vehicle Packaging Options – to suit your lifestyle.  
• Work/Life Balance - Flexible work arrangements including part time hours, hybrid home/office work arrangements, 1 accrued day off a month for full time employees.  
• Recognition and Reward – Sector competitive remuneration, various recognition programs and access to long service leave after 5 years   
• Wellness - Fitness passport + Employee Assistance Program + opportunity to purchase additional leave.   
• Professional development – We tailor career development opportunities to all employees and volunteers for career enrichment, fulfilment, and growth

Skills and Experience

We want you to be successful in your new role! This means you’ll have tertiary qualifications in a relevant field and:

• Demonstrated experience in national advocacy campaigns
• Demonstrated experience in First Nations engagement and collaboration initiatives, especially the Closing the Gap targets and strategy
• Understanding of relevant and current social policy issues nationally and globally as they affect one or more of TBS’ priority social impact areas
• Understanding of the skills of social policy development, including policy research and analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build relationships, influence others, and create change
• Understanding of social / media and other communication strategies for influence
• Effective time-management skills

Apply Now! 

To apply please submit your current CV along with Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) discussing your reasons for applying and suitability for the role.

Have any questions? Contact Janet on 0422 635 350 for a friendly conversation. 

 

The Benevolent Society respects and promotes human rights and diversity and is committed to building an inclusive culture. We welcome diversity in all its forms; applications from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged. We value relationships with our local Aboriginal community and welcome applications from its members. We see ability not disability, if you identify as a person with a different ability, please get in contact to let us know how we can accommodate your needs. We pride ourselves on being a client and child safe organisation and as such all our staff and volunteers go through security screening relevant to the role.