National Advocacy and Policy Manager

You will work with the Guide Dogs Australia (GDA) team and consult with state members to ensure that advocacy work across policy and government are informed by lived experience, putting people with low vision and blindness at the forefront of GDA activities and campaigns.

Key Accountabilities:

• Contribute to Guide Dogs Australia’s policy development and advocacy, through the preparation of written submissions to government inquiries, policy statements, and more.
• Contribute to the research and GDA positions related to NDIS and Disability Royal Commission reforms.
• Ensuring client-led representation and client identified priorities are amplified within the GDA advocacy framework.
• Facilitate information sharing within the GDA member state network on issues and activities (external and internal) pertinent to our members’ needs and interests.
• Contribute to connections between GDA and sector including other partners through collaborative projects and combined outreach.
• Work to identify and develop a client advocate base.

Essential Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Advocacy Campaigning or other relevant areas.
• Lived experience with low vision or blindness required.
• Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and succinctly for a variety of purposes.
• Knowledge of Australian political environments particularly as it relates to disability and the contemporary reforms taking place.
• Experience in the disability sector, preferably blindness and low vision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially the ability to interact professionally and confidently with a range of diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits that Guide Dogs offer:

As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs.

• A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $15,900.
• EAP – Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions.
• Me Days – Receive two paid days per year to support your health and wellbeing.
• Paid Parental Leave – take time to bond with your new child with 13 weeks paid leave after qualification period
• The option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave each year.
• Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program.
• Annual flu vaccinations.
• Support for your professional development including paid study leave and educational assistance.
• Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positive impact on our society.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.

If you require an adjustment within the recruitment process, please contact [email protected], using the subject line: National Advocacy and Policy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs, to inform us of your preferred method of communication.

A position description is attached.