Senior Policy Advisor

at; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization in Victoria is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to develop and deliver evidence-based policy solutions. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of the NDIS, experience influencing government, and exceptional communication skills. This role offers flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the disability sector.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Attractive salary packaging

NFP benefits

Qualifications

• Experience developing evidence-based policy advice and reports.
• Strong knowledge of the NDIS and disability policy.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with government.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality, evidence-based policy advice.
• Analyse complex issues and translate them into practical solutions.
• Work with key stakeholders to advance strategic goals.
• Partner with teams to ensure policy expertise informs advocacy.

Skills

Evidence-based policy development

Knowledge of NDIS and disability policy

Influencing and negotiating skills

Exceptional communication

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Overview

Join a purpose-driven NFP influencing government and contributing to better housing and living outcomes for people with disability.

• Drive evidence-based policy reform that delivers impact
• Collaborate with government, experts, and people with lived experience
• Enjoy flexible work, attractive salary packaging, and NFP benefits

ABOUT US

Summer Foundation focuses on identifying, designing and scaling up better housing and living solutions for Australians with disability with high support needs. We are home to one of Australia’s leading disability research teams, and have a proven track record of achieving systems change and delivering innovative solutions.

Our culture is intentional, inclusive, and growth-oriented. We thrive on collaboration, innovation, strategic thinking and evidence-based research, all driven by a fierce commitment to deliver better outcomes for people with disability. We are among the top 10% of Australia’s most engaged organisations, and we’re continually improving how we work and grow together.

ABOUT YOU

You’re a senior strategic policy professional who thrives on tough challenges, embraces complexity, and is motivated by impact. With strong political and policy nous, you cut through complexity, see the bigger picture, and influence decision-makers.

You bring:

• Experience developing evidence-based policy advice and reports
• Strong knowledge of the NDIS and disability policy
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with government and sector representatives
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Energy, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Senior Policy Advisor, you’ll use your expertise to shape reform and deliver practical solutions. This role combines policy development, stakeholder collaboration, and influencing decision-makers to secure better outcomes.

You will work on exciting pieces of work like our recent report, Moving Out, Moving On: Beyond Group Homes for NDIS participants which can be found on our website.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop high-quality, evidence-based policy advice and reports that influence government and drive reform
• Analyse complex issues, integrate lived experience and evidence, and translate them into practical solutions
• Work with key stakeholders including disability sector organisations and lived experience contributors to advance strategic goals
• Partner with Research, Co-design, and Communications teams to ensure policy expertise informs advocacy, messaging, and influence
• Represent Summer Foundation in key forums, consultations, and external engagements as required

Our office is based in Box Hill, VIC. However, this role offers flexible working arrangements and can be based in other locations across Australia.

Summer Foundation encourages people with lived experience of disability to apply.

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within Summer Foundation. That’s why we hire diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Explore more, access the PD and apply at https://www.summerfoundation.org.au/about-us/job-opportunities/

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Your application will include the following questions:

• Are you legally entitled to work in Australia?
• What are your salary expectations (excluding super)?
• What is your understanding of this role and how will your skills and experience help you succeed in it?
• What interests you most about working with Summer Foundation?
• How do you ensure you work effectively in a hybrid/remote environment?