Associate

Anacta; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

Career progression opportunities

Supportive team culture

Structured mentoring

Job summary

Anacta, based in Victoria's City of Melbourne, seeks an Associate for its growing team. This role offers hands-on experience in public affairs, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement, directly contributing to significant projects.

The ideal candidate will have a background in government or advocacy, combined with strong communication and research skills, and a proactive attitude. The role fosters a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in a political, government, or advocacy setting.
• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Genuine interest in government, policy, and public affairs.
• Comfortable in a high-pressure, fast-paced team environment.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support the work of the Directors and Anacta Group.
• Develop business relationships with clients.
• Identify business opportunities for the group.
• Engage with government, business, and political stakeholders.
• Attend stakeholder and industry events.
• Draft government relations and campaign strategies.
• Collaborate with team members for client outcomes.
• Conduct research and report drafting.
• Assist with business marketing and event organization.
• Perform associated administrative functions.

Skills

Communication

Research

Analytical skills

Political engagement

Business relationship development

Job description

Anacta Strategies is a full‑service public affairs firm with deep expertise in government relations, campaigns, strategic communications, research, and advocacy. With offices across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, we work with some of the region’s most influential organisations to help them navigate complex political landscapes and deliver impactful outcomes.

At Anacta, we are passionate about progressive public policy and supporting positive change.

• Government relations and public affairs
• Campaigns and advocacy
• Strategic communications
• Polling, market research, and stakeholder engagement
• Policy and regulatory analysis

Our team is growing and we're looking for a professional to join us in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra or Perth. This is a unique opportunity to build your skills and gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment at the heart of public policy and decision‑making.

About the Role & Responsibilities

As an Associate, you will be part of a dynamic, fast‑paced team supporting clients across a range of industries and policy areas. You will gain practical, hands‑on experience in public affairs, research, campaigns and stakeholder engagement — and you’ll contribute directly to high‑profile projects that shape public policy and public discourse.

The role of Associate will require you to support the operation of Anacta business, including the following duties:

• Supporting the work of the Directors and the work of the Anacta Group of companies
• Developing business relationships with clients and potential clients
• Identifying business opportunities, securing projects and engagements for the Anacta Group
• Engagement with government, business and political stakeholders on behalf of clients
• Attending stakeholder and industry events
• Drafting, developing and implementing government relations, stakeholder engagement and campaign strategies
• Collaborating with team members for client outcomes and supporting the development of more junior team members
• Research tasks and report drafting
• Business marketing and event organisation
• Associated administrative functions and reporting.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experience in political, government, or advocacy setting.
• A strong communicator with excellent writing, research and analytical skills
• Politically engaged and genuinely interested in government, policy, and public affairs
• Comfortable working in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment
• Is curious, proactive, and eager to learn.

What We Offer

• Hands‑on experience across government relations, campaigns, communications, and research
• Exposure to diverse clients, sectors, and jurisdictions
• Opportunities for career progression within Anacta
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture
• A commitment to employee rights, fair representation, and collaborative workplace practices.

You will be part of a supportive, dynamic team that values learning, collaboration, and delivering outstanding results for our clients. You’ll also benefit from structured mentoring, exposure to senior consultants, and the opportunity to grow your skills from day one.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a one‑page cover letter outlining your interest in public affairs and why you would be a great fit for this role.

For questions or a confidential conversation, please contact [e-mail]