JOB DESCRIPTION

• Permanent Full-time position; 35 hours per week

• Location: Flexible State location with Hybrid WFH options

• Great Salary: $145K Base Salary + Super + NFP Salary Packaging Benefits

• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

As Manager, Social Policy at Mission Australia, you will play a key role in shaping social policy to drive systemic reform for people in need. Reporting to the National Manager of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations, you will lead the Policy workstream and providing direct line management to the Senior Policy Officer and, at times, up to two direct reports.

In this role, you will develop and communicate Mission Australia’s social policy positions, linking practice, research, and evidence from across the organisation. You will provide strategic advice and contribute to the Advocacy and Government Relations workstreams and work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver considered, evidence-based policy recommendations.

Your work will be guided by Mission Australia’s Strategy, annual policy, advocacy, and service delivery priorities, as well as your knowledge of the social policy landscape, making a meaningful difference for communities and individuals experiencing disadvantage.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the Policy workstream, providing clear direction, performance management, and professional development.

• Develop and communicate evidence-based social/public policy positions, informed by research, practice insights, and lived experience.

• Produce high-quality policy materials, including submissions, briefing notes, Board papers, and Ministerial correspondence.

• Provide strategic advice on policy priorities, supporting annual planning and organisational strategy.

• Collaborate across Mission Australia to ensure cohesive and consistent policy development.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, contributing to advocacy networks and strategic partnerships.

Requirements for Success

• Demonstrated expertise in policy development and analysis, with knowledge of at least two relevant social policy areas.

• Excellent writing skills, with experience preparing submissions, briefings, and complex documents.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.

• High-level facilitation and influencing skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Knowledge of government policy, programs, and the political decision-making context, with an understanding of the not-for-profit sector’s role in social change.

• Strong prioritisation, attention to detail, and ability to manage resources effectively in a dynamic environment.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We’re committed to the safety and well-being of each other and the people we serve.

We recognise and respect diversity. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

We encourage applications from people with disability and Indigenous Australians. If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please email [email protected].

Your benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference

• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)

• Generous discounts with health insurance and major retailers

• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.

• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

How to apply

Click “Apply now”. We will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you