Senior Government & Policy Lead

Cox Purtell Staffing Services; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Engagement with top-level decision-makers

Opportunity to influence national policy

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Government Engagement & Policy Lead to drive impactful policy reform in sustainable transport. This senior role involves engaging with government officials and industry leaders to shape national and regional transport policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in policy development and a proven ability to build trusted relationships.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of government systems and policy development.
• Experience building relationships with senior officials and industry leaders.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage relationships across federal, state, and local governments.
• Lead the delivery of a strategic policy platform.
• Represent the organization in national forums and working groups.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Relationship-building

Policy development

Job description

Cox Purtell Staffing Services provided pay range

This range is provided by Cox Purtell Staffing Services. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

A$170,000.00/yr - A$200,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Cox Purtell Staffing Services

Recruitment Consultant | Business Support | Permanent Division | Associations, Education & NFP

Lead Government Engagement & Drive Policy Reform in Sustainable Transport

Location: Melbourne (open to Sydney or Brisbane too)

Position Type: Full-time, permanent

Level: Senior Policy / Government Engagement

Salary: $170 – 200k + Super (dependent on experience)

Are you ready to shape the future of transport?

We’re looking for a strategic thinker, confident communicator, and trusted relationship-builder to lead government engagement and drive a high-impact policy agenda focused on mobility, climate, and urban transformation. In this influential role, you’ll work directly with senior officials, ministers, and industry leaders—bringing together government, private sector, and international partners to accelerate real reform.

This is your opportunity to influence policy at the national and regional levels, champion sustainable and equitable transport systems, and help deliver the cities and communities of the future.

About the Role

As Government Engagement & Policy Lead, you’ll:

• Develop and manage trusted high-level relationships across federal, state, and local governments—particularly in transport, infrastructure, treasury, planning, and climate portfolios.
• Lead the delivery of a strategic policy platform focused on:
• Mode Shift
• Customer Experience
• Shape policy positions, submissions, and insights that influence decision-makers and funding priorities.
• Represent the organisation in national forums, briefings, and working groups.
• Build partnerships with global thought leaders and networks; support study tours, international briefings, and knowledge exchanges.
• Play a key role in strategic communications—including media, speeches, and stakeholder messaging.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to align events, campaigns, and member engagement with broader advocacy goals.

About You

You are curious, collaborative, and committed to public impact. Whether you come from government, a policy institute/association or a transport agency, you understand how to turn ideas into outcomes—and how to build trust along the way.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Have a strong understanding of government systems and policy development
• Have an existing network and experience building relationships with senior officials, ministers, and industry leaders
• Communicate clearly and translate complex issues into compelling insights
• Are comfortable working with ministers, CEOs, and cross-sector leaders
• Balance strategy with delivery—you get things done
• Enjoy working across jurisdictions, sectors, and cultures
• Care deeply about creating more sustainable, connected, and equitable communities

What’s on Offer

• A senior leadership role in a future-focused organisation with growing influence
• Direct engagement with top-level decision-makers across government and industry
• A flexible, high-trust work environment with regional scope
• The chance to help shape national and global conversations on transport, climate, and mobility
• A small, passionate team driving big outcomes across Australasia and beyond

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Transportation Programs, Non-profit Organizations, and Public Policy Offices

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