Senior Strategic Adviser – Strategy & Public Affairs

Employment Type: Maximum Term (2 years from Start) Part-Time – 0.6 FTE (3 days per week)

Location: East Perth, with travel to DYHS clinic sites as required

Make a meaningful impact on Aboriginal health through strategy, policy and public affairs.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for public policy, advocacy and advancing Aboriginal health and wellbeing?

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service (DYHS), Western Australia’s largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, is seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Adviser – Strategy & Public Affairs to support the CEO in shaping strategic thinking, analysing emerging policy developments and identifying opportunities that contribute to the organisation’s priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly capable adviser who can translate complex policy and sector developments into clear, evidence-based insights and strategic recommendations, contributing to meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

About the Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this senior specialist position sits within the Office of the CEO and provides high-level strategic research, policy analysis, public affairs support and executive-level advice.

Working closely with the CEO and collaborating with the Deputy CEO and Executive Management Team on matters directed by the CEO, you will help strengthen DYHS’s strategic capacity by identifying emerging trends, assessing opportunities and risks, and preparing insightful advice to support executive decision-making.

This is a focused, non-operational advisory role suited to someone who thrives on research, strategic thinking, professional judgement and influencing through evidence, insight and relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic research, analysis and practical recommendations to support CEO decision-making.
• Monitor Commonwealth and Western Australian Government policy, reform and sector developments affecting Aboriginal community-controlled health.
• Prepare executive briefings, discussion papers, presentations, submissions, speeches and strategic communications.
• Support the development of policy, advocacy and public affairs materials for CEO consideration and approval.
• Identify emerging strategic opportunities, partnerships, funding prospects and initiatives aligned with DYHS priorities.
• Undertake targeted strategic assignments and support the progression of CEO-directed priorities.
• Support the CEO’s engagement with government, Aboriginal organisations, peak bodies and key sector stakeholders.
• Identify emerging risks, policy developments and opportunities, providing timely, evidence-based advice.

About You

You are a trusted and discreet strategic adviser with the ability to navigate complex policy environments, think critically and communicate with influence.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated senior-level experience in strategic advisory, public policy, public affairs, government relations, advocacy or a related field.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical advice.
• Experience preparing high-level briefings, submissions, discussion papers and executive communications.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with government, Aboriginal organisations, community-controlled organisations and senior stakeholders.
• A strong understanding of Aboriginal community control, self-determination and the policy environment affecting Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
• Excellent professional judgement, discretion and confidentiality.
• The ability to work autonomously, manage competing strategic priorities and influence through evidence, insight and relationships.

Desirable

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, health management, business, governance, communications or a related discipline.
• Experience within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, Aboriginal health service, government or relevant community sector organisation.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth and Western Australian Government policy, funding and decision-making processes.

Why Join DYHS?

At DYHS, you will have the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with a longstanding commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities.

You will be part of a purpose-driven organisation where your strategic insight, policy expertise and professional contribution can support meaningful organisational priorities and strengthen the voice and impact of Aboriginal community-controlled health.

Other benefits include:

• Salary packaging up to $15,900
• Study leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 days of personal leave per year
• NAIDOC Day holiday
• Personalized professional development opportunities

Pre-Employment Requirements

The successful applicant will be required to provide:

• A satisfactory National Police Clearance not older than six months.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel as required.
• A satisfactory pre-employment health assessment.

How to Apply:

Please apply through SEEK, applications must include:

– Current Resume including current contact details; and

– Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (2 pages maximum) outlining your suitability for the role.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an equal opportunity institution, providing educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, colour, gender, age, or disability.

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and evaluate past employment records of applicants selected for interview.

The organisation reserves the right to re-advertise the position or to delay final selection if it is deemed that applicants for the position do not constitute an adequate applicant pool.