• Exciting opportunity to drive change
• Great benefits and competitive salary
• Flexible location, you could be situated in VIC NSW QLD ACT or other locations

About us

We are social impact entrepreneurs who focus on designing and scaling evidence-based solutions (products, policy change and services) to improve the housing and living outcomes of people with high and complex support needs. We thrive on the challenge and adventure creating new and sustainable products and services and partnering with others to scale innovative solutions.

Summer Foundation’s strategy is evolving as we pivot and build upon our work over the past 18 years of working on solving the issue of younger people in residential aged care (YPIRAC). Taking a targeted focus on the YPIRAC issue has enabled Summer Foundation to hone a unique capability to deliver system solutions to improve the lives and outcomes of people with disability with high and complex support needs.

Summer Foundation is a for purpose organisation with the capacity to make real change. We have a proud track record of real impact including the 10+1 Specialist Disability Housing model and the highly regarded Housing Hub. We are also really proud of our contribution to changing the building code to ensure all new housing in Australia meets minimum accessibility standards.

Benefits Of Working With Us

• Not for profit salary packaging of $15,900 + meals and entertainment card $2,650
• Above award salaries
• Flexible work arrangements
• 17.5% leave loading
• Employee Assistance Program
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Above all, a friendly bunch of humans who are passionate and dedicated to our work

We encourage the best of the best to apply to join the team and make a difference.

People with lived experience of disability are central to what we do, and we encourage and welcome you to apply.

About the role

An excellent opportunity for a Senior Policy Officer to join our Policy and Government Relations team. In this role, you'll work with the Policy and Government Relations Manager to lead efforts to research, formulate, and advocate for evidence-based policy solutions that shape government decisions. You'll also contribute to strategic initiatives and cultivate key stakeholder relationships to advance our mission and align with our organisational goals.

To thrive in this senior position, you should be an experienced policy professional. You are a clear and effective communicator with exceptional writing skills, capable of transforming ideas into compelling content. You are a strategic thinker who can turn ideas into action. 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.

Our head office is in Box Hill, Melbourne Victoria however we are open to receiving applications from other locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra or regional areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate evidence-based policy solutions and advice, including developing policy solutions papers and submissions to government on key strategic objectives
• Work across the organisation to translate lived experience and evidence into practical approaches
• 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
• Provide timely strategic advice, direction and updates to the Head of Policy, Government Relations and Systems Change and the Executive

What experience and skills are we looking for?

• A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, legal, health or related field or significant equivalent experience is required. Relevant advanced qualifications are advantageous.
• Proven ability to conduct detailed research, analyse data and synthesise and present written information in a compelling form for a range of purposes, including strategic plans, policy briefs and reports.
• Significant experience in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government and the community sector
• Minimum 5 years of social policy or related experience in a similar role with proven ability to develop evidence based policy solutions, with clear recommendations and advice
• Ability to work collaboratively across the organisation to pursue strategic objectives

Requirements

• Employment is subject to National Police Check.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter addressing why you would be the perfect candidate and how you meet the requirements of the role as outlined in the position description via the Apply now button below.

In the application process, you will be required to respond to the following question through our HRIS: 'Please tell us about your understanding of this role and describe how your knowledge, skills, and experience will enable you to meet the role requirements.'

We will be shortlisting immediately so don't hesitate to apply if you think this role is a good fit for your skills.

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 documents or process, please reach out to [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs, or 1300 935 717.

A position description is attached.