Australians for Mental Health is a national campaign organisation aiming to reshape Australia as a place where mental wellbeing is at the heart of our national life and all Australians can live their best, mentally healthy lives. We aim to do that by bringing people together and organising a powerful voice for lasting change.

We are interested in meaningful social change, and not simply awareness or acceptance of mental health issues.

We are a small organisation in its start-up phase. We are currently looking to employ a Policy & Advocacy Officer to support our campaign work with research, policy briefings and government engagement.

Please note that advocacy in this context specifically means in relation to public policy.

Responsibilities

Research & Policy Analysis

• Undertake quick turnaround desktop research and policy analysis to shape key messages for media releases, op-eds, campaigns, and other forms of public discourse.
• Prepare and maintain briefing notes on pertinent issues to support AfMH staff with up to date information about policy and trends in our areas of interest.
• Assist with drafting policy position papers and submissions including, undertaking desktop research, stakeholder consultations and policy scoping and analysis.

Track Policy Developments

• Establish a system for monitoring developments in public policy, government consultations, legislation and advocacy by others in relation to AfMH campaigns and concerns.
• Establish and maintain a policy library (reports, articles, policy submissions etc) to support policy submissions, campaigns and other strategic policy and advocacy work for AfMH.

Foster & Nurture Relationships

• Coordinate and nurture relationships with AfMH expert advisors, parliamentary friends of mental health and other stakeholder networks related to policy and advocacy activity.
• Provide logistical support on political engagement. This includes scheduling appointments and managing relationships with politicians, their staff, and public servants and other government or stakeholder representatives.

Skills & Experience

• Ability to work quickly and reactively as campaigns unfold, with minimal supervision;
• Strong interpersonal skills and orientation towards relationship building;

Extra Points For

• Previous experience working in a campaigning, political or media environment;
• Knowledge of mental health issues and trends;
• Community organising or community development experience, even if only as a participant in an organising effort.

Please note:

• Australians for Mental Health warmly encourages people who have personal experience of mental health conditions to apply.
• It is not a prerequisite of this role that you have prior experience working in the mental health service-delivery sector.
• Your experience does not need to be in a paid role: volunteer or activist experience will be equally considered with employment history.

Employment Conditions

Hours

• Permanent part-time 45 hours per fortnight;
• Considerable flexibility in hours worked is possible, subject to organisational needs;
• Overtime paid or available as time-in-lieu in accordance with the Award.

Classification & Salary

• $2,250 per fortnight (SCHAD Award Grade 5.1)
• Superannuation Guarantee.
• Charity salary packaging options.

Location

• This role is located in our small office in Surry Hills in Sydney. We value flexibility, so remote work from time to time is also possible.
• Some inter-state and regional travel may be required from time to time.

You can learn more about our organisation at afmh.org.au or by contacting Chris on 0438 898 198.