Drive change. Shape policy. Work for purpose.
Be the force that moves the dial - building the relationships, positions and campaigns that create lasting change for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Join Deaf Connect in a high-impact policy and government relations role where you'll help set the advocacy agenda, influence decision-makers, and ensure the Deaf community's voice is heard where it matters most.
This is a strategic, externally-facing role for someone who thrives at the intersection of policy, politics and purpose — and who wants their work to have real consequences for a community that has too often been spoken about rather than spoken with. We offer flexible work options and a hybrid model, with the role available in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.
About the role:
At Deaf Connect, policy and government relations isn't a support function - it's a leadership function that shapes our future. As Manager Policy and Government Relations, you'll lead our national advocacy agenda, build and steward relationships across federal, state and territory government, and translate community insight into policy positions that create lasting impact.
Working closely with the CEO and Executive Team, you'll anticipate where government is heading, identify what the Deaf and hard of hearing community will need, and make sure Deaf Connect is at the table influencing those conversations early and not responding to them after the fact.
Main responsibilities of the role include:
- Developing and implementing a government engagement strategy across jurisdictions, maintaining the access and credibility needed to influence policy outcomes
- Leading the development of Deaf Connect's national policy agenda, including submissions, position papers and responses to public inquiries
- Designing and driving advocacy campaigns that build public and government awareness of priority issues
- Preparing executive briefs, key messaging and meeting materials that equip the CEO and Executive Team to engage government with confidence
- Monitoring the political and policy landscape to identify emerging risks and opportunities for the organisation and community
- Building coalition and sector partnerships that extend Deaf Connect's reach and influence
About you:
In your application, let us know if you have these key skills and experience:
- Demonstrated experience developing and leading national advocacy campaigns, including across communications, media and stakeholder engagement
- Proven ability to build organisational policy positions from the ground up — researching, analysing and translating complex issues into compelling and evidence-based stances
- A track record of building credibility and influence with government, political representatives and sector organisations at senior levels
- Exceptional written and face-to-face communication skills, including the ability to represent an organisation publicly and in senior government settings
Also let us know if you have these other great skills:
- Experience in the community, health, or not-for-profit sector
- Auslan skills, Deaf community experience, or a willingness to learn Auslan
- Tertiary qualification in public policy, research or equivalent
About Us:
Deaf Connect is the largest, whole-of-life service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Australians. We stand with the Deaf community to build capacity and influence social change while paying respect to history, culture and language.
Our organisational values of Heart, Courage, and Discovery stand with the Deaf community to build capacity and influence social change while paying respect to history, culture, and language.
We offer an attractive benefits program including:
- Salary packaging, enabling you to make huge savings on tax and maximise your pay
- Flexibility regarding working arrangements
- Discount membership to gyms and facilities throughout Australia
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Free comprehensive online learning portal
- Free financial wellness support through our default super fund
The successful applicant will be asked to provide a NDIS Worker Check, a Working with Children Check (WWCC) relevant to their state (if applicable to the role), and proof of working rights in Australia. Deaf Connect is committed to child safety, safeguarding, and inclusion, and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
