about us

The Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Alliance is a unified voice of committed Specialist Disability Accommodation Providers, Investors, Developers, Builders and Supporters in SDA.

We are working toward a thriving, sustainable and ethical Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) market that delivers quality, well-designed housing for people living with a disability.

We aim to improve housing outcomes for individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence, well-being, and quality of life. We will tackle complex policy challenges and promote systemic change by collaborating with the government, the NDIA, our members, and other stakeholders. The voices of people with disabilities will always guide our work and shape our strategies.

about the role

We seek a motivated, experienced policy advisor with strong communication skills to join our team. This dynamic role focuses on systemic advocacy, member communications, and opportunities to enhance your visibility within the government, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and NDIA.

You will lead the development and implementation of internal and external policies and position statements, as well as other advocacy activities to raise the SDA Alliance profile. Your efforts will also work toward improving the lives of people with disabilities who require SDA. The position offers a reasonable degree of autonomy and control over your work.

By collaborating with the Board, CEO, members, and participants, you will work to increase the influence and visibility of the SDA Alliance through effective relationship management, storytelling, and the creation of relevant, compelling, evidence-based materials.

You should have a desire to understand the workings of a small peak body and be willing to work both in partnership with the CEO, and independently to strengthen your skills and leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research, consultation and analysis to inform policy development related to Specialist Disability Accommodation.
• Gather information and evidence working in collaboration with membership and executive developing papers/submissions/policy/statements to government to influence policy.
• Develop/Draft/Work on partnership documents, including submissions to consultations, discussion papers, formal letters, members’ updates, newsletters and social media posts.
• Provide expert information and advice on disability accommodation policy to the membership, executive and key stakeholders.
• Represent SDA Alliance in external forums and contribute to developing disability accommodation policy at a national level.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including members, disability service providers, advocates, and government agencies, to achieve shared goals.
• Work with the CEO and Board in high-level meetings and follow up with key stakeholders virtually and in person as relevant.
• Develop and implement projects that align with SDA Alliance's strategic objectives and contribute to the broader disability accommodation sector.
• Present papers, policy, and submissions to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, NDIA, Board, and members meetings, including PowerPoint and verbal presentations
• Facilitation of virtual and in-person sub-committee meetings and working groups
• Work with the CEO on opportunities for growth and leadership opportunities.

Requirements

• At least 2-5 years relevant experience (e.g. in a Senior Policy or Communications position or similar, preferably in a membership/NFP organisation).
• In-depth knowledge of the NDIS and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is desirable but not essential.
• Relevant Tertiary qualifications (e.g. bachelor’s degree or post-graduate qualifications in social science/social policy/political science/public policy/economic policy/law).
• Demonstrated influential and persuasive verbal and written communication skills (willing to share prior written work samples).
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder expectations effectively
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills

This full-time position can be done remotely from anywhere in Australia.

The successful candidate will be able to work with a small, dynamic, and passionate team dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. SDA Alliance values diversity and strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of disability.

For a confidential conversation about the opportunity, please call SDA Alliance CEO Jeramy Hope on 0418 983 681.

A position description is attached.