Corporate Grants and Advocacy Lead

Maitland City Council; Maitland; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

14 weeks paid parental leave

2 weeks' personal leave & 4 weeks of '

Job summary

Maitland City Council is seeking a dynamic Corporate Grants and Advocacy Lead. You will lead a corporate approach to grants management and advocacy, shaping the Council's priorities and delivering transformative projects for the Maitland community.

Leading a small team and partnering with cross‑organisational stakeholders, you will embed governance best practices, manage funding from application to acquittal, and advocate effectively for council initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline such as communications or business.
• Experience in grants applications and management.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to identify funding opportunities and develop compelling submissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team across grants governance and advocacy.
• Identify and secure significant grant opportunities.
• Champion Council's strategic priorities and drive funded projects.
• Coaching stakeholders and embed best practices from application to acquittal.

Skills

Grant management

Advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or business

Job description

Following some organisational change, we are seeking a dynamic Corporate Grants and Advocacy Lead, who will lead a corporate approach to the grants management and advocacy of Maitland City Council.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Maitland City Council's advocacy agenda while leading a coordinated approach to grants management across the organisation. Working at the intersection of strategy, partnerships and funding, you will identify and secure significant grant opportunities, champion Council's strategic priorities and help bring transformative projects to life for the Maitland community.

Leading a small team, you'll also drive continuous improvement in Council's grants governance framework, embedding best practice processes, coaching stakeholders and ensuring funding is effectively managed from application through to acquittal. You'll be a trusted advisor, collaborator and advocate, bringing people together to achieve shared outcomes and maximise opportunities for the community.

The Opportunity:

Following some organisational change, we are seeking a dynamic Corporate Grants and Advocacy Lead, who will lead a corporate approach to the grants management and advocacy of Maitland City Council.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Maitland City Council's advocacy agenda while leading a coordinated approach to grants management across the organisation. Working at the intersection of strategy, partnerships and funding, you will identify and secure significant grant opportunities, champion Council's strategic priorities and help bring transformative projects to life for the Maitland community.

Leading a small team, you'll also drive continuous improvement in Council's grants governance framework, embedding best practice processes, coaching stakeholders and ensuring funding is effectively managed from application through to acquittal. You'll be a trusted advisor, collaborator and advocate, bringing people together to achieve shared outcomes and maximise opportunities for the community.

About you:

To be successful in this role, you will hold a degree level qualification in a relevant discipline, such as communications or business, or an equivalent combination of contemporary experience in a role involving grant applications and management, coupled with relevant education and training.

You will have experience in working within grants, advocacy or stakeholder engagement with demonstrated experience of turning opportunities into outcomes.

You will have exceptional communication and relationship building skills, with experience in navigating complex stakeholder environments and bringing together diverse groups to achieve a common goal.

You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling submissions and advocate effectively for projects that matter.

Benefits:

This is a full-time, permanent role working a 35-hour week, with a base salary range of $110,153 - $122,270 per year + 12% super.

Council also offers a range of other benefits for its employees, including:

• Flexible work arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• 2 weeks' personal leave & 4 weeks of annual leave
• One extra week of "My Leave" a year (to use how you like!)
• Long Service Leave after five years
• Ongoing training and development
• Fitness Passport
• Healthy Employee Program

Applications close: Sunday 15 November 2026

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

What happens next?

Once applications close, we will review all candidates' details against the role requirements and will be back in touch with you to advise the status of your application.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing). Council also completes a range of other pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, psychometric testing or a criminal history check. For more information about the recruitment process, visit the "Jobs at Council" page on our website.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Maitland City Council is dedicated to providing a workplace that is inclusive and supportive and is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We support equal opportunities for all employees, and encourage applications from people from all cultures, nationalities, identities, and abilities. We believe all employees have the right to feel valued, respected and heard. If you have any special considerations or accessibility requirements, please let us know in the recruitment process how we are able to meet your needs.

If you require special assistance, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact us for a confidential conversation (***********@maitland.nsw.gov.au)