• High-profile consumer body
• Communications and digital sector
• Hybrid work environment (office and/or home office)

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, ACCAN, is Australia’s independent peak national body representing the interests of all consumers in communications issues. ACCAN’s work covers a broad range of issues from consumer protection and communications infrastructure to digital platforms.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced public policy professional to lead our small but highly effective policy team. Reporting to our Deputy CEO, you will strategically manage a busy policy team of four to six talented policy advisers and coordinate the drafting and development of policy across a wide range of consumer policy issues.

As the main conduit between ACCAN’s executive and the policy team, you will be responsible for ensuring that ACCAN delivers upon its strategic policy objectives, and be responsible for equipping, developing and motivating policy staff to deliver high quality policy advise. You will assist the Deputy CEO in reporting on these activities and will represent ACCAN’s policy team in a range of internal and external forums, including government, industry and community bodies.

Your interest and knowledge in communications issues and public policy, as well as excellent leadership and management skills, will be the key to your success in this role. Your capacity to apply strategic thinking to a range of analytical problems, and your effective representation of ACCAN’s policy priorities will ensure that ACCAN remains dynamic and responsive to emerging consumer issues in the communications sector.

You should have relevant tertiary qualifications and three to five years’ experience in a public policy role, including some experience in managing a team. Applicants with experience in the communications and community sectors are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants should be committed to consumer rights, have a passion for social justice and fair markets, and be enthusiastic to embrace new opportunities in this rapidly changing sector.

Essential Skills for position

• A sound grasp of communications and digital policy issues (or the capacity to acquire this swiftly)
• A commitment to the effective representation of the interests of consumers
• Ability to strategically manage a team to deliver high quality policy advice.
• Knowledge of public policy processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage a policy and/or research team
• Oral and written communication skills of a high order
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Demonstrated understanding of project management
• Proficiency in information and communications technology
• Ability to prioritise and delegate tasks as appropriate

Desired Skills for position

• Ability to liaise effectively with a range of people, including those in consumer/community organisations
• Ability to quickly develop expertise across a wide range of policy issues
• Knowledge of and experience of working in the community sector
• Familiarity with and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities

Benefits & Remuneration

ACCAN is offering a salary of between $120,000 to $135,000 (subject to experience and qualifications) with 11.5% superannuation.

In support of a work/life balance, benefits such as flexible working arrangements may also be negotiated to meet your personal circumstances.

Please note that ACCAN’s office is based in Sydney CBD, but consideration will be given to those applying from other locations. Contact ACCAN Deputy CEO Dr Gareth Downing on 0408 038 622 or [email protected] using the subject line: Policy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs for more details.

A position description, including selection criteria, is attached below.

ACCAN is an EEO employer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, persons with disabilities and people from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.