Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer

Ruah Community Services; Perth; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ruah Community Services is seeking an Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer based in Perth to lead initiatives in community engagement and systemic change. The role involves building partnerships, supporting advocacy efforts, and ensuring the voices of vulnerable populations are central to Ruah's mission.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% annual leave loading

16 weeks paid parental leave

Free access to Employee Assistance Program

Salary Packaging

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in community engagement or advocacy.
• Experience with vulnerable or marginalised communities.
• Knowledge of diversity and social inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead community engagement initiatives across Ruah’s programs.
• Support advocacy efforts reflecting client voices.
• Shape advocacy strategies influencing policy.

Skills

Communication

Social Justice

Stakeholder Relations

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Social Science, or Community Development

Tools

CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot)

Job description

Are you passionate about creating lasting social impact and giving voice to lived experience?

Ruah is seeking an Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer to help drive systemic change in areas like family and domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in connecting with community, building stakeholder relationships, and supporting advocacy efforts that reflect the voices of those we serve.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing & Advocacy, you’ll:

• Lead and support community engagement initiatives across Ruah’s programs.
• Elevate client voices and lived experience in our campaigns and advocacy work.
• Help shape advocacy strategies that influence policy and public opinion.
• Build and nurture partnerships with stakeholders and community groups.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure consistent, purpose-led messaging.

This role is ideal for someone with strong communication skills, a deep sense of social justice, and a desire to make real impact through meaningful engagement and strategic advocacy.

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About the Role

This is a permanent full-time position based at our Northbridge head office.

What we’re looking for

The successful applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in community engagement, advocacy, stakeholder relations, or a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable or marginalised communities.
• Proven ability to design and implement community engagement activities and advocacy campaigns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare content for diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups, government, and sector organisations.
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and the principles of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of diversity and social inclusion- including gender, sexuality, disability, cultural, age, and linguistic diversity and Aboriginal culture.

The following criteria are considered desirable but not essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Social Science, Community Development, or a related field.
• Experience in not-for-profit or advocacy-based organisations.
• Knowledge of government systems and policy processes.
• Experience using CRM platforms (e.g. HubSpot) and digital engagement tools.
• Familiarity with co-design, participatory engagement models, or community-led initiatives.
• Event planning and facilitation skills.

What do we offer?

• A competitive salary in line with Ruah's Enterprise Agreement.
• 5 weeks annual leave+ 17.5% annual leave loading.
• 16 weeks paid parental leave, with flexibility to take at 32 weeks half-pay (uniquely, new staff can access 4 weeks paid parental leave after just 6 months’ service).
• Free, independent and confidential access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Free Ruah-paid Journey Cover (insurance for when you're getting to and from work).
• Incredibly valuable Salary Packaging (to extend your take home pay) with:
• up to $15,900 core packaging
• an additional $2,650 in meal entertainment packaging
• benefits for salary packaging travel, accommodation, parking fees, education expenses and more!
• Opportunities to be active in the Ruah Community such as participating in a wide range of working groups, joining us at Pride events, being a part of a range of cultural events to promote and support reconciliation and much, much more!

Required compliance documents:

• Current drivers’ license
• National Police Clearance Certificate

How to apply

We’d love to hear from you!

Please click apply, create your LiveHire profile, and submit your current CV along with a cover letter of no more than two pages, helping us understand your fit for this role.

Closing date for applications: COB Friday 20 June 2025.

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged - and to do this, weneed people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right. Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.