Head Of Policy Research & Advocacy

Ssi Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SSI Australia is seeking a strategic Head of Policy, Research and Advocacy to lead national advocacy campaigns, shape policy direction and drive lasting social change for communities across Australia. This senior, values-driven role requires strategic thinking, exceptional communication and a track record of delivering policy changes.

You will develop evidence-based policy solutions, mobilise coalitions and influence government and decision-makers, translating research into compelling policy

Qualifications

• Significant experience in policy, advocacy or public affairs delivering campaigns that change policy.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and coalition mobilisation.
• Strong policy analysis and understanding of Australian social policy landscape.
• Strategic judgement to navigate complexity and drive outcomes.
• Outstanding communication translating evidence into persuasive policy messages.
• Genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and improving outcomes for diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead national policy, research and advocacy agenda to create an inclusive Australia.
• Design and deliver high-impact advocacy campaigns that drive policy and systems change.
• Build coalitions across government, unions, community, industry, academia and civil society.
• Translate evidence, data and lived experience into policy solutions, reports and submissions.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on emerging policy issues, risks and opportunities.
• Commission and leverage research to strengthen SSI's policy positions and public influence.
• Represent SSI in public forums, parliamentary inquiries and media opportunities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team committed to creating lasting social impact.

Skills

Policy strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Coalition building

Communications

Equity & inclusion

Job description

Head of Policy, Research and Advocacy

As one of Australia's leading social purpose organisations, we work alongside refugees, people seeking asylum, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, children, young people and families to create pathways to inclusion, belonging and opportunity.

We're looking for an experienced and values-driven Head of Policy, Research and Advocacy to lead influential, evidence-based advocacy campaigns that shift policy, influence public debate and deliver lasting systems change for the communities we serve.

About Role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead SSI's policy, research and advocacy agenda at a time of significant social and policy change. At the heart of the role is developing and leading high-impact national advocacy campaigns – identifying opportunities for change, building the evidence base, articulating policy solutions, mobilising diverse coalitions and influencing government and other decision-makers.

You will develop and champion evidence-based solutions, build and lead powerful coalitions, influence decision-makers and help shape public conversations on some of Australia's most important social issues, from migration to anti-racism to refugee and migrant economic participation. If you are passionate about creating lasting impact and driving change at a system level, this role offers a platform to make a real difference.

Working closely with our Chief of Advocacy and Public Affairs, CEO and Executive leaders, you will help position SSI as a leading voice on some of Australia's most important social issues.

This is more than a leadership role. It's an opportunity to influence the systems, policies and decisions that shape lives across Australia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead SSI's policy, research and advocacy agenda nationally to create a more inclusive and equitable Australia.
• Design and deliver high-impact advocacy campaigns that drive policy and systems change.
• Build and mobilise strong coalitions across government, unions, community, industry, academia and civil society to influence change.
• Translate evidence, data and lived experience into compelling policy solutions, thought leadership reports and submissions.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on emerging policy issues, risks and opportunities.
• Commission and leverage research that strengthens SSI's policy positions, advocacy campaigns and public influence.
• Represent SSI in public forums, stakeholder engagements, parliamentary inquiries and media opportunities, building SSI's reputation as a principled, trusted and influential voice.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team committed to creating lasting social impact.

About You

You are a strategic thinker, skilled communicator and collaborative leader who knows how to turn evidence and ideas into influence and action. You understand how change happens – and how to bring together the right evidence, people, partnerships and advocacy tactics to make it happen.

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience in policy, advocacy, public affairs, social impact or related fields, with a strong track record of designing and delivering advocacy strategies or campaigns that have contributed to policy or systems change.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to build coalitions and mobilise diverse stakeholders around shared policy and advocacy goals.
• Strong policy analysis and research capability, with a sound understanding of the Australian social policy landscape, government and policy processes, and how evidence can be used to influence change.
• Strong strategic judgement, with the ability to navigate complexity, identify opportunities for influence, build consensus and drive outcomes.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to translate research, evidence and complex policy issues into clear, persuasive policy positions, advocacy narratives and messages for different audiences.
• A genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and improving outcomes for diverse communities.

Why Join SSI?

Join an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and creating opportunities for people and communities to reach their full potential.

We offer:

• A purpose-driven organisation focused on social impact
• A collaborative and values-led culture
• Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay
• Opportunities to influence policy and create systemic change
• A chance to work with passionate leaders who are committed to equity, inclusion and community impact.

About our Recruitment Process

SSI Group is strongly committed to actively safeguarding children and young people and providing a safe environment for them to thrive. We ensure children and young people’s safety, and wellbeing is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of everyone at SSI, whether they interact directly or indirectly with children and young people. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment. All staff who work on, support, or manage Queensland child-related work must hold a Blue Card, even if they are not based in Queensland.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

SSI Group is strongly committed to actively safeguarding children and young people and providing a safe environment for them to thrive.

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people are embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of everyone at SSI, whether they interact directly or indirectly with children and young people.

Candidates progressing to relevant opportunities may be required to undertake applicable pre-employment screening checks, which may include a National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check, as a condition of employment.

All staff who work on, support or manage Queensland child-related work must hold a Blue Card, even if they are not based in Queensland.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in diverse communities and welcome and encourage applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

SSI is disability-inclusive and committed to ensuring an equitable and accessible application process for all candidates. We encourage applications from people of all abilities.

Our Talent Acquisition team can provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support candidates to participate fully and equitably.

Application Close 16 October 2026.