Director, Government Relations and Policy

Vinnies SA; Inner West; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Career progression

Wellbeing support

Leave benefits

Job summary

St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) invites a Director of Government Relations and Policy to lead the advocacy agenda and shape public policy in NSW. You will build influential government relationships, identify funding opportunities and drive strategic partnerships to deliver community outcomes.

You will work within the Strategy and Engagement Directorate, guiding a team, ensuring strong governance and risk management while promoting social justice and the Society’s mission.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in government relations and advocacy.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with government and external partners.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation abilities.
• Strategic leadership with ability to manage priorities and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic government relations plan aligned with the Society's priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with NSW government officials, policymakers, agencies and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to influence public policy, legislation and regulatory change.
• Monitor political developments and provide timely advice to inform decisions.
• Support funding submissions and tender processes.
• Represent the Society in government meetings and consultations.
• Create strategic partnerships with external organisations to advance shared priorities.
• Collaborate with communications, legal, risk and governance teams for coordinated advocacy.
• Lead and develop the team, ensuring governance and workplace safety.

Skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Influencing

Communication

Strategic leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in government relations or related field

Job description

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Director, Government Relations and Policy

Location: Lewisham, NSW, AU, 2049

Requisition ID: 2515

About Us

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a leading provider of community support services, whose values it is to shape a more just and compassionate society.We believe our employees are key to our success and offer Learning and Development programs to enhance and grow your career across a range of teams and services. Our employees are recognised for their achievements and offered promotional opportunities on a meritocracy basis within a collegiate and values driven team environment and culture. The Society recognises the value of an inclusive work environment and believes that our diversity is a strength in the work we do with our local communities.

About the Role

Lead the Society’s government relations and policy agenda, building influential partnerships and driving advocacy that shapes public policy, strengthens government support and delivers meaningful outcomes for the people and communities we serve. As a key member of the Strategy and Engagement Directorate, you’ll use your political insight and strategic leadership to influence government decisions, identify funding opportunities and advance the Society’s Strategic Plan, championing social justice and creating lasting community impact.

Your Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic government relations plan that advances the Society’s priorities and supports delivery of the Strategic Plan.

Build and maintain influential relationships with government officials, policymakers, agencies and external stakeholders to strengthen the Society’s advocacy and profile.

Identify opportunities to influence public policy, legislation and regulatory change on issues affecting the people and communities we serve.

Monitor and analyse political, legislative, regulatory and social developments, providing timely insights, advice and recommendations to inform organisational decision-making.

Support directorates to identify government funding opportunities and contribute to successful funding submissions and tender processes.

Represent and facilitate the Society’s participation in government meetings, consultations, hearings and other strategic forums.

Develop strategic partnerships and collaborative opportunities with external organisations to progress shared priorities and strengthen the Society’s influence.

Work closely with internal stakeholders across communications, marketing, legal, risk and governance to ensure a coordinated approach to government relations and advocacy.

Lead and support your team to deliver its strategic objectives while maintaining strong governance, risk management and workplace safety practices.

About You

Bring a relevant tertiary qualification and significant experience in government relations, with a strong understanding of the NSW political environment and legislative processes.

Have a proven track record of successful advocacy, influencing public policy and achieving outcomes through government engagement.

Demonstrate exceptional relationship-building, negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with government officials, external partners, senior executives, Board members and Society Membership.

Be a highly effective communicator, with outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills and the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.

Have strong political and strategic judgement, with the ability to analyse complex issues, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and develop practical recommendations.

Be an accomplished leader who can manage competing priorities, work under pressure and deliver outcomes within challenging timeframes.

Ideally bring experience within the not-for-profit or community services sector, with a genuine commitment to social justice and the Society’s mission and values.

We offer:

• Supportive Team – Join a welcoming, values-driven team with a strong sense of community.
• Boost Your Take-Home Pay – Access up to $15,900 in tax-free benefits for everyday expenses.
• Career Progression – Grow with clear pathways to leadership and internal opportunities.
• Wellbeing Support – EAP and wellness services to support your mental and physical well-being.
• Flexible Work Options – Enjoy hybrid/flexible work arrangements for better work-life balance.
• Inclusive Culture – Thrive in a diverse workplace with active RAP and DIAP programs.
• Leave Benefits – 5 days Sorry Business Leave , Mental Health/Wellbeing Day Off, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, plus access to cultural and study leave to support your personal and professional life.

St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) welcomes people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunity employer and arecommitted to engaging a diverse workforce.We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, candidates of any or no religious beliefs and applicants of all ages.

If you are a candidate with disability please let us know if you require any support to participate in the application and recruitment process.

The Society is committed to being a Child Safe organisation, further information can be found inthe Society’s commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People .Prior to an offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete the pre-employment checks including a Police check& Working with Children check. A health / medical assessment may be required for some roles.