General Manager, Social Change

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT; St Leonards; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary packaging up to $15,9k

Professional development

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness leave

Parental leave

Additional leave options

Annual flu vaccinations

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is seeking a Senior leader to drive the Social Change agenda, influencing government policy and public opinion. You will oversee advocacy, campaigns and partnerships, shaping strategic priorities that improve outcomes for people with low vision or blindness.

The role requires a values-led leader adept at navigating complex environments and building credibility across diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in social change, policy or related field.
• Experience influencing policy, systems or community attitudes.
• Strong knowledge of government decision-making and public policy processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead advocacy, policy, government relations, campaigns, community engagement and partnerships across the organisation and external stakeholders.
• Shape and deliver social change agenda with measurable impact.
• Translate evidence and lived experience into policy priorities and actions.
• Build and manage a high-performing team and foster cross-organisational collaboration.

Skills

Senior leadership

Policy

Advocacy

Government relations

Campaigns

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Strategic thinking

Collaboration across orgs

Lived experience (disability)

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications/public policy/law/political science/international relations

Job description

Introduction:

We are committed to providing services for people with low vision or blindness by tailoring solutions to help overcome barriers and build independent and fulfilling lives.

We are united in our shared mission of creating opportunities, championing the rights of people with low vision or blindness, and building communities who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity.

With a strong culture of innovation, learning, flexibility and belonging, we live our values and allow our team members to be the best version of themselves inside and outside work.

Skills and Experiences:

Purpose of the Job

The General Manager, Social Change leads Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s social change agenda through government relations, strategic advocacy, campaigns, community engagement and partnerships. Working across Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and Guide Dogs Australia, you will bring together research, policy expertise, service insights and lived experience to identify opportunities, shape compelling priorities and deliver measurable social impact.

About The Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape and lead Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s social change agenda and strengthen our influence across government, the disability sector and the broader community.

As General Manager, Social Change, you will provide strategic leadership across advocacy, policy, government relations, campaigns, community engagement and partnerships. You will work collaboratively across the organisation and with external stakeholders to influence systemic change and improve outcomes for people with low vision or blindness.

You will lead a specialist team, build strong relationships and help position Guide Dogs NSW/ACT as an influential and trusted voice. This role requires an experienced and values-led leader who can navigate complex environments, bring people together behind a shared purpose and translate evidence, insight and lived experience into meaningful social impact.

About You

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong background in social change, policy, advocacy, government relations, campaigns or a related field. You bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to build credibility and influence across a diverse stakeholder environment.

You will bring:

• Significant senior-level experience in policy, advocacy, government relations, social change or a related field.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, such as communications, marketing, law, public policy, political science or international relations.
• Experience leading strategies or initiatives that have influenced policy, systems, institutional practices or community attitudes.
• Strong knowledge of government decision-making, public policy processes and the broader political and social environment.
• The ability to build influential relationships with government, sector partners, community organisations and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including setting direction, developing capability and building effective teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, political acumen and judgement.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.
• Experience in the disability, not-for-profit, charity, community services or advocacy sector will be highly regarded.
• We welcome candidates with lived experience of low vision, blindness or disability.

Benefits That Guide Dogs Offer

• A competitive remuneration package commensurate with skills and experience, including tax-free salary packaging of up to $15,900.
• Ongoing professional development, paid study leave and educational assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions.
• Two paid Wellness & Lifestyle Leave days each year.
• 15 days of personal/carer’s leave per year for full-time employees, pro rata for part-time employees.
• 15 weeks of paid parental leave after the qualification period.
• The option to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave each year.
• Employee benefits and Reward and Recognition programs, plus annual flu vaccinations.
• The opportunity to join an organisation making a meaningful and positive impact on society.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community.

We are committed to a work environment where everyone is included, treated fairly and respected.

We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status or political opinion.

If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].

Applications close at 5:00pm AEST on Thursday, 5 November 2026. We’d love to hear from you, so make sure you get your application in before the deadline!