Who We Are

Social Ventures Australia (SVA) is an innovative social impact organisation operating across Australia.

We use our broad outlook, transformational thinking, and trusted voice to lead the charge against inequality in Australia. We were created over 20 years ago to find innovative solutions to entrenched social problems and speed up the rate of positive change.

We think differently, help redesign systems by learning about what works in communities, and work hand-in-hand with passionate partners to take real action and achieve positive social change.

The Young Children Thriving Team

Young Children Thriving (YCT) is one of SVA’s Social Impact Initiatives. The team seeks to transform Australia’s early childhood development landscape for an Australia where all children, regardless of where they live or the challenges their family face, have the opportunities and supports they need to thrive. The team works collaboratively with partners on ambitious high impact initiatives involving redressing system gaps, convening and mobilising stakeholders, building evidence, testing and scaling solutions, and advocating for change.

The Role

The Policy and Program Manager leads research and policy development activities, working closely with the Associate Director, Early Childhood and our sector partners on our Nurture Together program of work which focusses on ensuring children and families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage have access to the supports and services they need to thrive.

They keep up to date with new and evolving developments across the early childhood landscape, sharing insights across the team and organisation.

The role partners closely with the Policy & Advocacy team and other Social Impact Initiatives to support SVA’s mission to drive systems change and support those in our community experiencing disadvantage.

Your Benefits

• Work in a business with a track record of driving meaningful social change including being awarded Best CSR Innovation by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) in 2023
• Be part of the SVA team known for living by our values to put people at the centre and be open and ready to learn
• Work in a team that offers flexibility and a hybrid work model that is specific to you and recognises that work is only one of our priorities.
• Join a business which prioritises personal wellbeing and development, including an additional week’s leave after working with SVA for two continuous years.

Who You Are

You bring proven experience in research and social policy development, with knowledge in one or more key early childhood development domain areas e.g., health, education, child protection.

With outstanding analysis, writing and project management skills, you will be known for your experience in innovation and systems change within a multi-stakeholder environment. Your ability to build and enhance a range of sustainable relationships with stakeholders and operate in diverse cultural settings will be key to your success.

Last but not least, you are a team player that works well with others to achieve shared goals.

SVA values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of colour. We value people of all abilities and diversity of culture, faith, gender identity and sexual orientation. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.

Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process by contacting [email protected] using the subject line: Policy and Program Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs. There is scope to customise the job role to accommodate people with different abilities.

If you have the experience and skills we are looking for and are excited to join our team, please submit your CV (max 2 pages) and a statement (max 1 page) addressing the person requirements.

Please note we will consider and progress applications as they are received and therefore encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity.