The role

This is a chance to be part of something that really matters. At a pivotal moment for the Stolen Generations, you’ll help shape the strategic policy and advocacy agenda, working with government and the sector to drive better outcomes for survivors and descendants.

You’ll have a small team of direct reports, and a director who wants someone to hit the ground running. If you’ve been after a role where you can shape policy, build relationships, guide a team and see your work make a difference, this is it.

Why it’s worth a look

A few things stand out. You’ll join at a pivotal time, with the opportunity to influence national conversations, strengthen partnerships across government and the sector, and help shape a growing policy function. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team and have real scope to make your mark.

The opportunity

With the 30th anniversary of Bringing them home approaching in May 2027, the Foundation is entering a significant period of policy, advocacy and government engagement.

The Foundation has established its policy priorities for this milestone and beyond, with major advocacy initiatives, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy contributions planned over the next 12 months. You will play a key role in progressing this agenda, translating survivor priorities and evidence into practical policy reform, advocacy outcomes and government action.

A national gathering of Stolen Generations Organisations later this year will provide an opportunity to hear directly from survivors, descendants and organisations working across the sector.

Success in the role will include building strong relationships across government and the sector, progressing key policy priorities, and contributing to meaningful outcomes for survivors and descendants.

What you’ll get stuck into

• Lead policy analysis and develop evidence-based advice to inform The Healing Foundation’s strategic priorities.
• Translate research, evaluation findings and survivor priorities into practical policy positions, recommendations and advocacy initiatives.
• Support implementation of policy and advocacy activities linked to theBringing them home recommendations and the lead-up to the report’s 30th anniversary. 
• Prepare policy briefs, submissions and strategic advice for government and sector stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships across government, the Stolen Generations sector and the Aboriginal community-controlled sector.
• Contribute to consultation and engagement activities with survivors, descendants and sector organisations.
• Support delivery of advocacy strategies, action plans and key policy milestones.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and support to direct reports, helping build a high-performing team.
• Exercise sound judgement, manage competing priorities and solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll probably love this role if…

You’ve worked in or with government and have a strong understanding of policy development, decision-making processes and how to influence outcomes. You’ve written high-quality policy advice, briefing materials and submissions, and can distill complex issues into clear recommendations.

You are motivated by making a difference. The ongoing priorities of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants matter to you, and you want your work to contribute to meaningful change.

You’re a strategic thinker who can balance big-picture objectives with practical delivery. You’re organised, analytical and collaborative, and comfortable managing competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

You have experience leading and supporting others, whether through formal people management or mentoring and coaching. You know how to build capability, empower staff and foster a positive team culture.

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities is highly valued, particularly within Indigenous affairs, the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, and/or alongside Stolen Generations survivors and organisations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

What you’ll get in return

This is an opportunity to contribute to a significant period of policy and advocacy activity leading into the 30th anniversary of Bringing them home. You’ll help advance priorities that seek to improve outcomes for Stolen Generations survivors and descendants.

You’ll join a supportive and collaborative team that values initiative, professionalism and shared purpose, with flexibility to work from either Brisbane or Canberra in a hybrid environment.

The role offers exposure to senior government and sector stakeholders, opportunities to shape national policy conversations, and the chance to grow your skills and professional networks while contributing to meaningful work.

The practical stuff

• Location: Brisbane or Canberra
• Arrangement: Hybrid
• Employment type: Fixed term, 12 months, full-time (38 hours per week)
• Salary: Competitive, to be discussed based on experience
• Direct reports: A small team
• Start date: Aiming for 26 October 2026

Interested?

If you’re reading this and thinking it sounds like you, get in touch, we’d genuinely love to hear from you. You don’t need to tick every box here. Experience in or with government, a real belief in the cause, and the confidence to step up matter more than a perfect match on paper.