At the 2022 federal election, Senator David Pocock became the first ever Independent Senator elected to represent the ACT. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Senator’s team, working to bring about changes and improvements on key issues for the ACT.

The Senator was elected on a policy platform that includes:

• Doing politics differently: standing up for the ACT community with long-term thinking and by making politics more open, accountable and community-driven.
• Making Canberra count: ensuring we receive our fair share of federal funding and restoring territory rights to make our own laws including the right to debate and decide issues like voluntary assisted dying.
• Rebuilding trust and integrity: through a federal anti-corruption watchdog with real powers, political donations reform, truth in political advertising laws and restoring funding to the Auditor-General and Australian National Audit Office
• Taking climate action: providing certainty for business and households with a clear path to net zero emissions and a robust transition plan and bringing down power & fuel bills as well as emissions by accelerating the electrification of businesses & households
• Backing the Uluru Statement from the Heart: including a First Nations voice to Parliament

About the Office

Senator David Pocock’s Office embraces the values of respect, trust, integrity, courage, and fairness. Behaviours embraced in the office include acting in the best interests of the ACT and its people, being welcoming and inclusive of all, and demonstrating honest and decent behaviour. Alignment with these principles and values is critical to the success of this position.

About the role

The Community Engagement & Strategy Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of the Senator’s electorate office, building our volunteer program, working proactively with the ACT community and helping to resolve the concerns of ACT constituents.

We are seeking applicants to lead proactive and strategic engagement with the ACT community, including by:

• working with constituents on issues that matter to them;
• facilitating meaningful access, input and consultation with the Senator and his team;
• building strong relationships with individuals and organisations, including volunteers;
• developing a tailored approach to community engagement based on locality, demographics, ability, and the needs of marginalised or underrepresented groups.

This is a dynamic position which requires enthusiasm, a track record of successful community engagement, outstanding customer service ethos and a readiness to think outside the box. The successful applicant will have a knack at building and growing community engagement, a passion for the future of the ACT and an appreciation of the work of grassroots community democracy. They will also be extremely organised and able to juggle multiple tasks at once, sometimes in high pressure situations.

Roles and responsibilities

• Implement a community engagement strategy and support engagement through constituent work, community visits, meetings, events and advocacy.
• Manage and coordinate the electorate office volunteer program, including recruitment, coordination and allocating tasks.
• Liaison with community groups and stakeholders, including developing and maintaining a stakeholder database and secretariat duties for community groups.
• Manage constituent matters and enquiries to ensure effective advocacy and representation, particularly in relation to complex and difficult issues.
• Respond to correspondence and calls from constituents
• Work with other staff members to: arrange visits and community outings for Senator Pocock, promote community programs and events and develop meaningful opportunities for community input into policy and legislation.
• Manage office operations including records management, finance and expenditure, office equipment and supplies and OH&S requirements.
• Proactive outreach and engagement to the ACT community including through organising community visits, meetings, events and advocacy.

Selection Criteria

• Experience working in community, social or customer service related sectors.
• Knowledge of community development principles and/or experience working with communities with diverse needs.
• Fantastic interpersonal, communication and networking skills, including written communication, consultation and facilitation.
• Strong time management and organisational abilities, and a demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities according to deadlines.
• Proven capacity to take initiative and work as part of a team and with minimal supervision.
• An understanding of issues relevant to the ACT community.
• Experience with event planning and management.

The position is offered on an ongoing basis under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2020-2023.

A commencing salary between $69,170 - $80,757 pro rata will be paid and an optional allowance of $20,882 is payable in recognition of, and as compensation for, reasonable additional hours of work. A probationary period of 3 months will apply.

The successful applicant will be required to work from Senator Pocock’s electorate office in Gungahlin, ACT (located at 1/25 Ernest Cavanagh St) and occasionally work outside of duty hours as needed by the Senator.

For further information please contact Senator Pocock’s electorate office on (02) 6247 6444.

A position description is attached.