Policy & Advocacy Manager

Elliott Gray Pty Ltd; Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Law Society is seeking a Policy and Advocacy Manager to lead policy, law reform and advocacy work, shaping outcomes in the legal and justice sector for a respected member-based organisation.

You will develop policy positions, prepare submissions and briefings, drive advocacy initiatives and build strong relationships with government, the legal profession and the broader justice sector. Strong writing and leadership capabilities are essential to influence outcomes for members.

Qualifications

• Strong policy, advocacy or law reform experience.
• Exceptional written communication and speech writing skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent research, analysis and critical thinking capability.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, flexible approach and genuine team mindset.
• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy positions, submissions and briefings.
• Lead advocacy initiatives and stakeholder engagement across government, legal profession and justice sector.
• Support leadership and guidance to a Research Officer.
• Translate complex information into practical advice and persuasive narratives for varied audiences.
• Prepare speeches, submissions, briefing papers and stakeholder communications.

Skills

Policy analysis

Speech writing

Stakeholder management

Research skills

Written communication

Organisational skills

Leadership

Job description

Some roles shape policy. Others help shape the profession.

The ACT Law Society is seeking a Policy and Advocacy Manager to lead its policy, law reform and advocacy work, helping to influence legal and justice sector outcomes while supporting one of the ACT's most respected member-based organisations.

Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll be responsible for developing policy positions, preparing submissions and briefings, contributing to advocacy initiatives and building strong relationships across government, the legal profession and the broader justice sector. You’ll also provide leadership and support to a Research Officer while helping drive meaningful outcomes for members.

We’re looking for a strong writer first and foremost. Someone who can confidently prepare speeches, submissions, briefing papers, articles and stakeholder communications that are clear, persuasive and influential. You’ll be comfortable translating complex information into practical advice and compelling narratives for a range of audiences.

You may already be working in government, a peak body, advocacy organisation, parliament, legal practice or a policy-focused role. Equally, this could be the ideal next step for someone looking to broaden their impact and take on greater leadership responsibility. Strategic direction will be supported by senior leadership, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality policy and advocacy outcomes while continuing to grow your career.

To be successful, you’ll bring:

• Strong policy, advocacy or law reform experience
• Exceptional written communication and speech writing skills
• The ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent research, analysis and critical thinking capability
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A collaborative, flexible approach and genuine team mindset
• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering quality outcomes

This is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation with a long history of championing the legal profession and contributing to important public policy conversations.

If you’re someone who enjoys bringing together policy, advocacy and exceptional communication skills to create meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.