Are you looking for a purpose driven policy opportunity to kick start the new year? Do you want to develop evidence based policy solutions to influence disability policy?

• Join a purpose driven not for profit where you can have an impact on delivering better housing and living outcomes for people with disability
• Flexible working arrangements, attractive salary including salary packaging benefits

ABOUT US

Summer Foundation has been at the forefront of change for people with disability. Over 18 years, we’ve honed a unique approach, driving policy, innovation, and systemic reform to stop younger people with disability being forced into aged care. However, despite our many successes, the problem of finding appropriate housing and living support for people who require access to 24/7 support remains. Summer Foundation has embarked on a bold new agenda to identify, design and scale up innovative user-led housing and living solutions that are high quality and affordable to government.

Our work culture is intentional, inclusive, and growth-oriented. We thrive on collaboration, innovation, strategic thinking and evidence-based research, all driven by a fierce commitment to deliver better outcomes for people with disability. We are among the top 10% of Australia’s most engaged organisations, and we’re continually improving how we work and grow together. Be bold in 2025 and join Summer Foundation.

ABOUT YOU

To thrive in this senior policy position, you should be an experienced policy professional and a strategic thinker who can think deeply about policy challenges and develop solutions. You are a clear and effective communicator with exceptional writing skills, capable of transforming ideas into compelling content. You are decisive and collaborative, enjoying teamwork and building strong relationships both within and beyond the organisation. Ideally, you will also bring experience in disability policy.

Your skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, legal, health or related field or significant equivalent experience is desired.
• Proven capacity to develop evidence-based policy solutions with the ability to conduct detailed research, analyse data and synthesise and present written information
• Policy and political nous with the ability to see the broader context, and understand how different components interact
• Professional experience in government relations and campaigning
• Ability to influence and negotiate while building and maintaining strong relationships internally and externally
• Deep understanding and knowledge about the NDIS and disability policy
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• High energy and enthusiasm for tough challenges, and adaptability to changing environments

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Senior Policy Advisor at Summer Foundation, you’ll develop high-quality policy solutions and reform initiatives to influence government that aligns with the Summer Foundation’s strategic objectives. You will do this by delivering evidence-based policy outputs, building strong relationships with government, and collaborating with key stakeholders.

Your key responsibilities:

Policy Development: Deliver high-quality, evidence-based policy outputs that drive impactful outcomes.

• Formulate evidence-based policy solutions and advice, including developing policy solutions papers and submissions to government on key strategic objectives
• Write high-impact articles and other content to communicate policy positions and raise awareness of key issues among diverse audiences

Government Engagement: Build strong government relationships to influence policy and secure impactful outcomes.

• Develop and maintain strong, proactive relationships with government representatives and agencies
• Identify opportunities to partner and collaborate with governments and other key partners to develop quality inputs into government decision-making
• Effectively represent the Summer Foundation in government forums, submissions, and consultations

Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships that align stakeholders (internal & external) to achieve shared goals.

• Consult, negotiate, influence and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, including government and disability sector organisations, to develop and implement strategies to achieve our strategic goals
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop tactics that enable Summer Foundation to engage in the policymaking process strategically, progress organisational strategy and secure policy reform

Our office is based in Box Hill, VIC however this role offers flexible working arrangements and can be based in other locations across Australia.

Summer Foundation encourages people with lived experience of disability to apply.

We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within Summer Foundation. That’s why we hire diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process or require the position description (PD) in an alternative format, please reach out to [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Advisor - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs or 1300 935 717.

Click Apply Now to explore more, access the PD and apply.

A position description is attached.