Position Title
Head of Advocacy Campaigns & Government Affairs
About the Company
Our client is a respected national professional body representing a large and diverse membership across Australia and New Zealand. With a strong reputation for integrity, thought leadership, and public interest advocacy, the organisation plays a key role in shaping policy, influencing regulatory outcomes, and contributing to economic and community wellbeing. The organisation operates at the intersection of business, government, and the professions, and is known for its collaborative culture, trusted relationships, and values‑driven approach.
About the Role
This is a senior leadership role responsible for setting and delivering a coordinated advocacy and government affairs agenda. Reporting to an executive leader, the Head of Advocacy Campaigns & Government Affairs will design and lead high‑impact advocacy campaigns, shape policy positions, and strengthen engagement with government and external stakeholders. The role brings together advocacy, policy, government relations and public affairs to deliver consistent, proactive and influential outcomes.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading the design and delivery of national advocacy and public campaigns aligned to organisational priorities
- Translating complex policy issues into clear, compelling advocacy positions
- Driving proactive identification of emerging political, regulatory and policy issues
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with ministers, departments, regulators and parliamentary stakeholders
- Coordinating campaign activity across policy, advocacy, communications and public affairs teams
- Advising senior executives on political and policy developments and associated risks
- Embedding technology, AI and digital policy considerations into advocacy planning and positioning
- Developing advocacy capability, frameworks and performance measures
- Providing leadership, coaching and strategic direction to direct reports
This role offers a rare opportunity to influence policy at a national level while leading sophisticated, purpose‑driven advocacy.
Candidate Requirements
- Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in advocacy, public policy, government relations or campaign leadership
- Proven success designing and delivering large‑scale advocacy or influence campaigns
- Strong understanding of political systems, government decision‑making and policy processes
- Demonstrated ability to advise senior executives and influence without direct authority
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience translating complex and technical policy into persuasive advocacy narratives
- Leadership experience, including coaching and developing high‑performing teams
- High levels of professionalism, integrity and sound judgement
- Tertiary qualifications in public policy, law, political science, economics, communications or a related discipline are preferred.
Benefits
