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Head of Advocacy and Impact

Perth Permanent View Job Description
Senior executive role leading advocacy, policy, communications and government relations to drive meaningful systemic change.
  • Make a measurable contribution to long-term social impact
  • Shape the organisation's advocacy and policy agenda

About Our Client

Our client is an established, purpose-driven organisation committed to improving outcomes for individuals, families and communities and representing their interests across the broader community and service system.

With advocacy, policy influence and external engagement becoming increasingly important to its strategic direction, the organisation is strengthening its executive capability in this area.

This is a newly established senior portfolio with a clear mandate to elevate advocacy, government engagement, public awareness and systemic influence, while ensuring community voices and lived experience are reflected in policy and decision-making

Job Description

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Executive Team, the Head of Advocacy & Impact will provide executive leadership across advocacy, policy, communications, government relations, community participation and strategic partnerships.

The role will lead the development of a coordinated advocacy agenda that translates evidence, lived experience and organisational insight into policy influence and system-level change.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Provide executive leadership for the organisation's advocacy and policy agenda.
  • Develop and oversee policy positions, submissions, reform proposals and briefing materials.
  • Build and maintain senior relationships with Ministers, government agencies, regulators, sector bodies and other key decision-makers.
  • Identify and respond to emerging policy, legislative and system reform opportunities and risks.
  • Ensure community voice, lived experience and stakeholder insight meaningfully inform advocacy priorities and policy positions.
  • Oversee strategic communications, media, campaigns, public messaging and organisational reputation.
  • Position the organisation as a credible and influential voice within its sector.
  • Identify opportunities for thought leadership and participation in state and national conversations.
  • Translate research, service evidence, evaluation and lived experience into clear advocacy narratives and policy leverage.
  • Provide strategic leadership across community representation and participation.
  • Lead strategic partnerships, alliances and relationships that extend influence and impact.
  • Identify opportunities for philanthropy, corporate partnerships and other external investment aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Monitor and assess the impact of advocacy and policy activity on system change and organisational outcomes.
  • Lead and develop a multidisciplinary portfolio, including approximately three managers/team leaders.
  • Contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, risk, performance and culture.



The role will play a central part in strengthening the organisation's capability to operate as an influential, credible and trusted voice within its sector.

The Successful Applicant

We are seeking an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in advocacy, policy, public affairs, government relations or systemic reform.

You may come from a peak body, membership organisation, community or social services environment, government, public affairs or a related sector where influencing policy and external decision-making has been a significant part of your role.

You will bring:

  • Significant senior leadership or executive experience in advocacy, policy, public affairs or system reform.
  • Demonstrated success influencing government, policy or system-level outcomes.
  • Strong understanding of how evidence, research and lived experience can be translated into advocacy and reform.
  • Proven experience leading communications, public narrative, campaigns or reputation.
  • Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
  • Highly developed strategic thinking, judgement and political acumen.
  • The ability to establish trusted relationships with senior government and sector stakeholders.
  • Experience leading teams and bringing multiple functions together around a common strategic agenda.
  • An understanding of the broader social, health, community and service systems affecting the organisation's stakeholders.
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, social policy, social sciences, communications, journalism, public affairs, community development or a related discipline.



You will be a credible, politically astute and values-driven leader who can move comfortably between executive strategy, policy detail, external influence and public representation.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to take on a highly influential executive portfolio with a clear mandate to strengthen advocacy and increase the organisation's impact externally.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • Shape and lead the organisation's advocacy and policy agenda.
  • Work closely with the CEO and Executive Team.
  • Build stronger government and decision-maker relationships.
  • Influence policy discussions and systemic reform.
  • Elevate community voice and lived experience within public policy.
  • Bring advocacy, communications, participation and partnerships together within a cohesive portfolio.
  • Strengthen the organisation's profile, reputation and thought leadership.
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team and build advocacy capability.
  • Develop strategic partnerships and new opportunities to support advocacy and impact.
  • Contribute to an important and developing area of executive leadership within an established organisation.



Contact
Rebecca Jordan
Quote job ref
JN-082026-7091234
Phone number
0431 983 308

Job summary

Function
Executive Search
Specialisation
Public Sector & NGO
Industry
Not For Profit
Location
Perth
Job Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Rebecca Jordan
Consultant phone
0431 983 308
Job Reference
JN-082026-7091234

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Michael Page acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land we operate on.