Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) is seeking a Government Relations and Policy Officer to drive our organisation’s federal advocacy agenda. This person will have a solid understanding of the Australian federal political landscape and will either have, or have the ability to attain quickly, a sophisticated knowledge of the social services policy space.

Main responsibilities of the role:

• Maintain a sophisticated understanding of political and policy issues in the social services sector and develop written materials to benefit Members and other key stakeholders, including the CSSA Board.
• Design and maintain CSSA’s government relations strategy and implementation plan under the direction of the Executive Director.
• Drive the delivery of the government relations strategy and implementation plan by:
  • Monitoring Federal Government activities in the social services space;
  • Identifying opportunities for advocacy and political engagement;
  • Organising and supporting meetings and events with decision-makers; and
  • Developing the written materials to support CSSA’s advocacy activities.
• Build a strong network of political contacts within the federal parliament and bureaucracy to facilitate CSSA’s advocacy agenda.
• Maintaining regular communication with Member Agencies to ensure our agenda reflects their needs.

The right person will possess the following experience and qualifications:

• Completion of a relevant tertiary degree (law, political science or communications highly regarded).
• 3 years experience working in a political setting, a Government Department or an advocacy/not-for-profit organisation.
• Strong written communications skills, including experience in drafting documents, position papers, reports, briefings and correspondence.
• Strong oral communications skills, including the ability to negotiate and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Project management skills and proven ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to work within a small team.
• An understanding of, and willingness to work within, the Catholic ethos.

Above all, the right candidate will have a commitment to social justice and will be diligent, articulate and eager to contribute as part of a small team.

Further information:

Salary range between $110,000 and $120,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience), plus superannuation and attractive NFP salary packaging.

Full-time, Permanent.

Based in Canberra (Inner-North), with the flexibility to work from home 2 to 3 days per week.