• Opportunity to provide strategic advice to shape Mind’s positioning, government relations, public policy, and advocacy for the inclusion of people with mental health challenges.
• Permanent | Full time
• Hybrid – Mind corporate office in Burnley & WFH

Mind strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with a lived experience of mental ill health and recovery, and applicants from all cultures, genders, sexualities, bodies, abilities, spiritualities, ages and backgrounds.

Mind Australia is one of Australia’s largest providers of community-managed psychosocial services, supporting people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges to find help, hope and purpose in their lives. Operating for more than 45 years and employing more than 1,300 staff around Australia, Mind is a leading employer of people with lived experience of mental health challenges, recognising their unique ability to connect with and motivate clients and guide recovery. 

About the role

The Research, Advocacy & Policy Development division has a national focus providing strategic and operational leadership for investment in research and evaluation, business development, clinical governance, policy development and advocacy. In line with a growth strategy, Research, Advocacy & Policy Development is responsible for developing and delivering on Mind’s strategic goals for consumer advocacy, social change and contributing to a better, stronger Australian mental health system. The Policy and Strategy business unit holds responsibility for policy analysis, government relations, sectoral stakeholder engagement, and public advocacy and campaign development. 

We are seeking a driven, experienced Advisor for a permanent, full-time opportunity. In this position, you will provide high level advice to inform Mind’s strategic positioning, government relations and public policy and advocacy development. Working closely with the Manager Policy and Strategy, the Strategic Advisor will review and engage with Mind’s diverse stakeholders and assist in the development of Mind’s approach to systemic policy, advocacy and influence. 

Key responsibilities

• Provide timely and reliable advice on the implications of new and existing government policy relevant to Mind’s priorities for mental health and psychosocial disability.
• Assist with the preparation of relevant policy and budget submissions to government.
• Work collaboratively within the Research, Advocacy and Policy Development division to strategically and consistently map, review and manage Mind’s network of relationships with key government and funding partners.
• Develop campaign strategy and materials for new and existing campaigns, including consideration of community engagement.

What you’ll bring

• Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Policy, Public Health, Human Services or other related field as designated by Mind.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse policy documents and data, and to synthesise evidence, in support of systemic advocacy and campaign development.
• Demonstrated project management experience applied to complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in influencing for policy or system change on health, social justice or other public benefit issue.

Benefits

• Salary packaging up to $15,899 p.a. allows you to allocate a portion of your pre-tax income to cover living expenses (e.g. rent, mortgage, child care, car leasing expenses etc.)
• Generous leave entitlements including 8 weeks paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, and Monthly Accumulated Day off (Full time employees).
• Fitness Passport - Access to our corporate health and fitness program, providing you and family with access to a wide choice of fitness facilities.
• Hybrid work (choose your days, consistent team collaboration days where possible). 

Interested?

To apply visit Mind Careers - reference number 497422. Online applications must be submitted by 11pm Sunday 18 May 2025. We encourage you to apply promptly as the advertisement may close early should a suitable applicant be sourced. Please contact the person below for more information.

David Threlfall – Manager, Policy and Strategy

[email protected] 

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please contact us at [email protected]. 

The successful applicant is required to complete comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and NDIS Workers Screening Check.