Policy and Advocacy Officer

• Full Time, Permanent Role
• Location: Sydney, NSW with Work from Home Options
• Salary from $86,000 + 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 advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your opportunity

Every policy submission, briefing and conversation with decision-makers has the potential to create lasting change for people experiencing disadvantage. As a Policy and Advocacy Officer, you'll join Mission Australia's Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations team and help turn evidence, insights and lived experience into meaningful advocacy that influences government policy and improves lives. Working within the Practice, Evidence and Impact team, you'll support campaigns, policy initiatives and stakeholder engagement that strengthen Mission Australia's courageous voice for whole-of-system change, while helping increase understanding of the social issues affecting communities across Australia.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of policy and advocacy initiatives across strategic priority areas.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy plans and campaigns.
• Monitor policy developments, government announcements and consultation opportunities relevant to Mission Australia's work.
• Research and synthesise information to inform policy positions and advocacy activities.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, talking points, background papers and advocacy materials.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders to support coordinated advocacy efforts.
• Assist with stakeholder mapping, engagement tracking and relationship management activities.
• Maintain reporting tools and trackers to measure advocacy activity, outcomes and impact.
• Support the development and distribution of policy and advocacy communications across the organisation.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools, resources and ways of working within the team.

Requirements for success

• Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, politics, health, social work, communications or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in policy, advocacy, communications, government relations or a related field.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise and influential documents.
• Ability to analyse complex information and translate it into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across diverse groups.
• Genuine interest in social policy, advocacy and issues affecting people experiencing disadvantage.
• Commitment to Mission Australia's values and purpose-driven approach to social change.

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.

Your benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

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 prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

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