RSPCA Australia is Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation and one of the nation’s most recognised and trusted organisations. We’re dedicated to making animals’ lives better. With a rich history spanning over more than 150 years, the RSPCA continues to be at the forefront of animal care and protection, advocacy and education, across the nation.

RSPCA Australia is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our national science and policy team. The role is part of a committed and vibrant team of people who gain personal satisfaction from knowing that they are having a real impact on the welfare of animals through actively promoting science-based principles for their care and protection.

The successful applicant will contribute to the strategic work of RSPCA Australia in advocating to help improve the lives of millions of animals across Australia, now and into the future.

Key activities include:

• Developing and driving a political engagement strategy that identifies key areas of influence and links to RSPCA Australia’s advocacy priorities
• Proactive engagement with politicians, public servants, working groups and other key stakeholders to champion the RSPCA’s strategic priorities and inform decision makers in the most effective way
• Researching and preparing high-quality, evidence-based analysis on animal welfare policy and law to support reform objectives
• Contributing to the development and delivery of advocacy strategies to promote and secure key animal welfare reform objectives
• Representing RSPCA Australia on relevant national committees and working groups involved in the setting of legislation, strategies and related plans and documents

This is a rare opportunity to join the RSPCA’s national science and policy team: to elevate your profile in government relations, work for an organisation with a strong values base and influence public policy in animal welfare.

To be successful in this role you will need a proven interest in animal welfare and commitment to the mission, vision and values of the RSPCA. You’ll have the ability to critically evaluate evidence-based information and research findings and incorporate this in the development of high-quality written materials.

The ideal applicant will have tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (law, political science, public policy, government relations, or related field) and at least three years of professional experience.

You’ll also have a demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking, political awareness, sound judgement and creative problem-solving and a thorough understanding of legislative and government policy development processes.

In this role you’ll be required to foster and develop relationships with politicians, government officers and other external stakeholders, so the ability to communicate confidently, articulately and persuasively to a range of audiences is also an essential attribute.

About RSPCA Australia

RSPCA Australia is the federal body of the eight state and territory RSPCAs in Australia and is based in Deakin, Canberra. Our vision is that all animals have a good life and we work together on our purpose to make animals’ lives better. RSPCA Australia is a leading source of animal welfare science, develops RSPCA policy, and engages with government and industry to progress animal welfare across a range of issues nationally. The office is staffed by a dynamic and enthusiastic team of dedicated professionals working across the areas of science, policy, advocacy, communication, marketing and the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme.

Benefits of Working with RSPCA Australia

As you might expect, the RSPCA is an organisation of people committed to the welfare of animals and this flows through into the type of workplace we all work hard to maintain – one that is supportive, challenging and friendly – and one driven by strong values of compassion, courage, integrity, knowledge and tenacity. We are a great group of people! And of course, we have dogs in the office.

RSPCA Australia is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and friendly work environment in which everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

Please visit www.rspca.org.au to find out more about RSPCA Australia.

Selection Criteria

• A proven interest in animal welfare and commitment to the vision, mission and values of the RSPCA
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (law, political science, public policy, government relations, or related field) and at least three years of professional experience
• Demonstrated experience in building positive and trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to critically evaluate evidence-based information and research findings relating to animal welfare and to incorporate this in the development of high-quality reports, submissions and briefing papers
• A thorough understanding of legislative and government policy development processes
• Highly developed communication skills including a demonstrated ability to communicate confidently, persuasively, sensitively and articulately to a range of audiences both in person and in writing
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking, political awareness, sound judgement and creative problem-solving
• Good organisational skills, including capacity to manage changing priorities, deliver work to agreed deadlines and work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team

Highly Desirable

• Post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrated experience in advocating for policy and legislative change in a relevant field

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by clicking Apply Now.

We would like to encourage applications from a diverse range of individuals who meet the selection criteria for the role, whose values align with those of the RSPCA and feel they can make an important contribution to the work of the RSPCA.

If you would like to know more about this role, please contact us via [email protected] using the subject line: Government and Stakeholder Relations Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.