Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.

We are a value-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food provisions, casework and legal services.

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

About The Role

The Senior Policy and Media Lead will lead ASRC’s proactive and reactive asylum seeker and refugee policy work, including position papers, policy papers, and briefs for political engagement, blog posts, and communications planning, including key messages to support the Refugee Leadership & Advocacy program to effectively bring about change on asylum.

The Senior Policy and Media Lead will oversee issue-based communications, including drafting ASRC press releases, briefing journalists, and ensuring that media coverage highlights the voices of individuals with lived experience.

This role works closely with the Refugee Leadership & Advocacy team and other ASRC teams and programs to gather relevant data and report on impact. Additionally, the Senior Policy and Media Lead will coordinate and supervise the daily operations of the Systemic Change Team, reporting directly to the Head of Systemic Change.

About You

The Systemic Change Program is seeking an individual who is passionate about driving policy as well as change in the media and social media for the rights of people seeking asylum. The successful candidate will also possess the following skills, attributes and experience:

• Experience managing staff and supporting a team
• Demonstrated experience in a policy setting, ideally in the refugee and asylum policy
• Experience in media management, including writing press releases and media engagement
• Experience drafting policy papers and submissions
• The ability to quickly distil complex pieces of information and data and communicate it powerfully
• Exceptional time management skills and demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks in an under-resourced environment
• Experience in providing staff supervision, as well as ability to work as an effective team member
• Knowledge of the policy context of practice with asylum seekers visa categories/conditions, and the barriers faced by people seeking asylum in Australia

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable. Knowledge of policy and issues impacting on people seeking asylum in Australia as well as previous experience working within a not-for-profit environment, would also be advantageous.

Employee Benefits

Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award.

• Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
• Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
  • Leave due to Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
  • Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
  • Gender Affirmation Leave
• Free onsite car and bicycle parking
• Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
• Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free
• Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses)

Please find the Position Description attached below to address the Selection Criteria.

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check, and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.