The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession in Australia, representing more than 14,500 members across Australia and overseas.

The Institute works to improve our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design.

When you join us, you’ll be supported by a proactive leadership team and a wide network of great peers from around the country.

Why the Australian Institute of Architects?

As an organisation, we are committed to providing a healthy, flexible, rewarding and inclusive environment. Driven by our culture and values, and steeped in history, the Australian Institute of Architects has been supporting the profession of architecture since 1930 and is committed to enabling and driving change and innovation internally, and for our members. The successful candidate will be part of an altruistic and impactful community supported by inspiring leadership as well as a wider network of nationally-based peers.

Role overview:

The Policy and Advocacy Manager is responsible for identifying emerging issues and trends within or impacting the architecture profession and developing intellectual capital to support the Institute’s thought leadership, peak body positioning, our strategic priorities, and our members. It will develop Policy in specific areas through the engagement of members to define the Institute’s position and determine the most effective and innovative mechanism to advocate on behalf of the Institute and its members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with member committees to develop and implement processes for engaging them in the Institute’s policy development activities. The position drives the development and delivery of high profile and complex policy through collaboration with colleagues across the Chapters and national areas.
• Develop policy in specific areas, ensuring Institute members are appropriately engaged including convening working groups and member forums when necessary.
• Produce high quality reports, submissions and positions which reflect the views of the Institute and its members and help to effectively position the Institute as the thought leader in architecture.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with relevant stakeholders and identify opportunities to further the aims of the Institute and its members through partnerships and collaboration.
• Assist senior office bearers to make influential representations on behalf of Institute members to Members of Parliament, Ministers and senior decision makers within government.
• Forge strong strategic stakeholder partnerships and oversee relations with strategic coalitions all in the interest of maximising the attainment and impact of the Institute’s mission and strategic objectives.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Qualifications relevant to the position which may include a certificate, diploma or associate degree in social sciences or similar field.
• Ideally, relevant experience in a similar position.
• Experience and knowledge of the NSW planning framework and construction industry highly desired.
• Well-developed conceptual, analytical, research and evaluation skills and capacity to provide authoritative and strategic advice.
• Ability to manage projects of varying sizes and levels of complexity within agreed timeframes and budgets.
• Proven ability to produce high quality, relevant and well researched written material (including submissions, briefings, reports, articles and position statements) for a range of audiences such as government, planning and building authorities, stakeholders and members of the public.

What the Institute offers you:

• Access to professional development opportunities provided to members and company-funded external professional development courses
• Bring your pet to the office
• Hybrid work model supported (50% in the office, and 50% WFH or remote)
• Wellbeing initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee reward and recognition program
• Purchase leave arrangement options are available
• Access to discount books, airfares, appliances, paint, and more.

Ready to apply? next steps:

For more information or to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact the People and Culture team via email: [email protected], using the subject line: Policy and Advocacy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

A position description is also attached.

Careers that promote and celebrate excellence in architecture.