Shape policy, influence government and drive meaningful change for Australia's Deaf community.
- Influence policy and create meaningful change nationally
- Work directly with the CEO of Australia's largest Deaf services provider
- National role based in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra
About the Company
Deaf Connect is Australia’s largest service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Australians. As a purpose-driven organisation, Deaf Connect supports people across all stages of life through Auslan interpreting and translations, accredited and community education programs, NDIS supports, allied health and therapy, family support, aged care and community programs.
Beyond service delivery, Deaf Connect plays a vital role in ensuring the needs of the Deaf community are considered in government policy and legislative changes and creating greater inclusion and accessibility across Australia.
As Deaf Connect continues to grow its influence nationally, an exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced Manager, Policy & Government Relations, to work directly with the CEO and help shape the organisation's future advocacy and government engagement.
Role Overview
Reporting directly to the CEO, this new position will see you lead policy development, prepare submissions and keep across legislative reform, but equally important will have the ability to build relationships at Federal and state levels, influence decision-makers and identify opportunities that strengthen Deaf Connect's influence and help shape better outcomes for the Deaf community.
You'll work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, gaining an understanding of operational challenges and translating these into practical policy positions and advocacy initiatives. Whether it's engaging with Ministers, building partnerships across the sector or representing Deaf Connect in key forums, you'll play an important role in strengthening Deaf Connect's voice and influence nationally.
You'll have the opportunity to build this function, bring fresh ideas and make the role your own.
About the Person
You are an experienced policy and government relations professional who enjoys building relationships and influencing positive change. You're equally comfortable engaging with government stakeholders and sector partners as you are working alongside operational leaders to understand the issues that matter most.
You combine strong policy capability with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and are confident working with senior leaders, government representatives and external partners.
You are proactive, politically aware and naturally curious. Lived experience or a connection to the Deaf community is valued but not essential. What is most important is a genuine willingness to learn, an openness to understanding Deaf culture, experiences and a commitment to inclusive communication.
You are motivated by purpose and excited by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation making a genuine difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Deaf Connect's policy, advocacy and government relations function.
- Build and strengthen relationships across Federal and State Governments and key stakeholders within the Deaf community and the disability sector.
- Develop submissions, policy positions, briefing papers and advocacy initiatives.
- Identify emerging policy, legislative and funding opportunities that support Deaf Connect's strategic priorities.
- Represent Deaf Connect across government, sector and stakeholder forums.
- Partner with leaders across the organisation to translate operational challenges into meaningful policy outcomes.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Demonstrated experience in policy, government relations, advocacy or public affairs.
- Strong understanding of government processes, stakeholder engagement and influencing policy outcomes.
- Exceptional written communication, including preparing submissions, briefing papers and policy advice.
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence decision-makers.
- A proactive approach with the ability to think strategically and deliver practical outcomes.
- Experience within government, a peak body, advocacy organisation or the disability sector will be highly regarded.
Culture of the business:
At Deaf Connect, you'll join an organisation that's collaborative, inclusive and genuinely purpose driven. You'll work alongside passionate people who are committed to improving outcomes for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Australians while helping shape the future direction of the organisation through stronger advocacy, policy and government engagement.
For more information please contact Joanne Murtagh on 0489 279 011.
Please note – all applicant resumes must be submitted in Word format only.
