Director, Government & Advocacy

ROLE PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this role is to contribute to the delivery of PA’s work to strengthen the philanthropy ecosystem, through policy advocacy and partnerships that help philanthropy and civil society thrive.

Working under the supervision and guidance of the Executive Director, Policy & Sector Development (EDPSD), this leadership role is responsible for proactively driving outcomes that help shape the direction of Australia’s philanthropic sector.

The role involves collaborating with members, partners, and other key stakeholders in a dynamic work environment.

It necessitates drawing on an effective understanding of the operating context for the Australian philanthropic and wider not-for-profit sectors, including knowledge of policy and regulatory arrangements and their practical application.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy and Government Relations

• Support the EDPSD to develop PA’s policy advocacy agenda, in consultation with the CEO, Policy & Research Committee (PRC) and PA Board, members and partners.
• Draft submissions to government consultation processes and manage the member engagement process.
• Coordinate engagement with ministers, advisers, departmental officials, regulators and other relevant stakeholders to advance PA’s policy advocacy agenda.
• Establish and manage a new PA Policy and Government Relations Peer Network, including developing its charter and programming, in consultation with members.

Ecosystem Development

• With the guidance of the EDPSD, manage PA’s professional adviser engagement, including partnerships with professional adviser membership bodies.
• Drive the delivery of other priority initiatives directed at strengthening the philanthropy ecosystem, as appropriate.
• Work with the Practice & Partnerships team to shape and support research projects and activities.

Member Engagement

• Prepare information for members on relevant policy and regulatory matters, including through contributions to the Giving News and updates to the PA website.
• Manage the process of responding to member enquiries about policy and regulatory matters, and respond to less complex enquiries.
• Contribute to the development of guides, toolkits and other resources for members to enhance philanthropic impact.

Public Engagement

• Support the CEO, EDPSD and other Executive Directors to participate in events and engage with media, including through drafting presentations and undertaking research.
• Participate in events and forums as a representative of PA, where appropriate.

Organisational Leadership

• Contribute to organisational outcomes measurement and reporting activities.
• Provide secretariat support for the PRC, including assisting with the drafting of reports and papers for PRC and Board meetings.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in law, economics, public policy, social impact, political science or another relevant field.

Highly Regarded

• Completion of professional development such as the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Institute of Community Directors or Giving Academy courses, and/or other relevant training.

Experience and Expertise

Essential

• Experience in the philanthropic, not-for-profit or public sectors, with an understanding of the contextual environment for philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.
• A strong grasp of government policy development processes, including developing and communicating policy positions clearly and effectively based on evidence.
• An understanding of regulatoryframeworks, with a demonstrated ability to develop working knowledge of their application in a specific sectoral context.
• A solid record of project management and delivery within complex organisational and stakeholder settings.

Highly Regarded

• Technical capabilities in law, policy and regulation, including a demonstrated understanding of charity and taxation law as it applies to philanthropy.

Skills and Qualities

• A keen sense of drive and initiative, with a desire to work collaboratively and take responsibility for achieving positive outcomes.
• A reflective and learning-oriented mindset, combining creative big picture thinking with attention to detail and practical implementation.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including relationship building, stakeholder management and ability to work as part of a team.
• A proven ability to prioritise and juggle competing demands in a dynamic work environment.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, including using digital tools to analyse, report and present information.
• A passion for philanthropy and alignment to PA’s purpose and strategic direction.

How to Apply

• Individuals interested in applying, please follow the instructions on this site
• Applications close: 5 pm AEST, 24/06/2026.