General Manager – Policy and Advocacy

About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the role

The General Manager Policy and Advocacy role at Jesuit Social Services is critical for leading the organisation’s policy development and advocacy efforts. Collaborating closely with the Director Advocacy and Strategic Communications, the Executive Director Community and Systems Impact, and the wider leadership team, the role entails:

• Developing, monitoring, and implementing a comprehensive policy and research agenda that aligns with Jesuit Social Services’ mission, draws on the organisation’s practical experience, and addresses relevant social policy and advocacy issues.
• Creating strategies and resources to effectively execute the policy and research agenda.
• Identifying research and policy evidence to inform the development and implementation of Jesuit Social Services programs.
• Building and nurturing strategic relationships across various stakeholder groups to coordinate advocacy efforts on key policy issues.

We are seeking a skilled professional with a strong background in policy development and advocacy, adept strategic thinking skills, and the ability to cultivate collaborative relationships.

Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
• A welcoming and supportive relational environment
• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing training and development related to your role
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous leave

About you

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualification/s and/or relevant experience in field
• Demonstrated commitment to, and history of, achieving social change through research, policy and advocacy work.
• Demonstrated capacity in: identifying social policy and advocacy agendas arising from program activities; analysing the impact of social policies on disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.
• A capacity to work collaboratively with programs to identify research, social policy and advocacy issues.
• Demonstrated capacity to identify and draw on current research to develop informed policy and advocacy positions and influence practice on important social issues.
• Demonstrated success in communicating research and policy positions through media, events and other communications.
• Proven research credentials and record of publications in peer reviewed journals and / or other industry based media is desirable.
• Established networks within the government and community sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely and cooperatively with senior management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

About the program

Advocacy and Strategic Communications overview

Jesuit Social Services engages with people from diverse backgrounds experiencing complex problems, including those associated with mental illness, substance misuse, family breakdown, offending behaviour, homelessness, unemployment, poverty and social exclusion. Working in collaboration with programs staff, this grounded experience deeply informs our Advocacy and Strategic Communications.

Policy Unit

Drawing on our experience through our services and programs, the Jesuit Social Services Policy Unit has three key functions:

1. Advocacy – we build awareness of injustice and advocate for social change based on grounded research, the lived experience of our participants and practice wisdom.
2. Research – we identify areas of unmet need, conduct and publish research and use our findings to engage with decision makers to advocate for change to the systems and structures that perpetuate disadvantage.
3. Policy – we regularly respond to social justice issues and produce a number of policy submissions and papers each year.

In undertaking these functions, the Jesuit Social Services Policy Unit works collaboratively with a wide range of community organisations and other stakeholders including building and contributing to sector-wide campaigns.

How to Apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.
• For further information please contact Andrew Yule on 0448 380 455

A position description is also attached.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.