• Melbourne or Sydney based location

The Stroke Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation that works with stroke survivors, carers, health professionals, government, and the public to reduce the impact of stroke on the Australian community. Our mission is to Prevent Stroke, Save Lives, Enhance Recovery. 

Purpose of the Team 

The Public Affairs and Media Division, within the Office of the CEO, is responsible for the organisations policy development, advocacy, profile building, and stakeholder communications. The team ensures that the organisation can further its mission, and that our profile and reputation is enhanced and grows. These efforts position Stroke Foundation as the voice of stroke in Australia. 

Purpose of the role 

Reporting to the National Manager Public Affairs and Media, the Government Relations Advisor develops and delivers advocacy plans, campaigns, and activities in partnership with key internal and external stakeholders. Government advocacy activities play a critical role in supporting Stroke Foundation’s mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. 

The role will provide government advocacy advice to support our team across the various state and federal government jurisdictions. Ultimately, your work will benefit the many Australians impacted by stroke and their loved ones to raise awareness of this disease and drive system-wide improvements in stroke prevention, treatment, care, and support. 

Key responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain key government and advocacy relationships with a range of stakeholders to support Stroke Foundation’s mission in consultation with the National Manager, Public Affairs & Media, and our State Managers across Australia. 
• Develop and implement advocacy plans, community engagement plans, campaigns, and activities in partnership with the stroke community and Stroke Foundation Public Affairs and Media Division. 
• Provide advice to internal and external stakeholders on how to deliver key objectives through advocacy and public relations and implement strategic campaigns to achieve this 
• Draft correspondence, meeting briefings, and create advocacy materials 
• Support advocacy and PR campaigns for national and state activities in consultation with the internal program and jurisdiction managers. 
• Assist with written communication for target audiences including newsletters, stakeholder communications and electronic communications in consultation with relevant internal and external teams. 

Your background, skills, and experience 

• Tertiary qualifications in communications/policy/politics or related area, or equivalent workplace experience. 
• Expert understanding of Federal and State Government systems, structure, frameworks and the broader policy and political environment. 
• Demonstrated internal and external stakeholder management skills including the ability to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels. 
• Proven experience in government liaison roles, with broad understanding of the key stakeholders in both state and federal governments. 
• Experience liaising with government at a local, state/territory or federal level. 
• High-level written and verbal communication skills with experience across a variety of communication mediums. 
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects from brief to implementation and evaluation. 

What's on offer? 

A flexible, innovative, and dynamic organisation with engaged knowledgeable staff and volunteers with the added benefits of competitive remuneration and salary packaging. 

The Stroke Foundation embraces cultural diversity and strongly encourages suitably qualified people from all cultural backgrounds to apply. 

Stroke Foundation is a bi-partisan organisation that delivers advocacy activities in line with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) guidelines. www.acnc.gov.au