Want to be part of a passionate, values-based and people focused not-for-profit? Then check out this brilliant opportunity to join our team!

VolunteeringACT is the peak body for volunteering in the Canberra region, the provider of Community Information Services as well as being a service provider of programs for people experiencing disadvantage and isolation, people with disability, and people needing support for mental wellness. Through our activities we improve inclusivity, enable sustainable volunteering, and create a more resilient Canberra community. The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will be responsible for supporting those functions across the organisation in a transformative time for volunteering, inclusion and community information in our region.

You will enjoy working in Civic, flexible working conditions, being part of a fun collaborative team and enjoy meaningful work that really makes a difference in people’s lives. We are very keen to recruit from a field of candidates who are from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of disability, who identify as LGBTIQ+ and people from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The role is paid at the equivalent of SACS Level 4-5 (dependent on experience) plus superannuation and generous salary sacrifice benefits. The role can be from between 30 hours to full time each week.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Identify, research, analyse and make recommendations on strategy, policy, and legislative issues relevant to volunteering, community information, and inclusive practice.
• Draft position papers, policy submissions, summary briefings, talking points, factsheets etc.
• Stay informed on relevant ACT and National policy, legislation, best practice initiatives (domestic and international), and events relating to volunteering, community information and inclusive practice.
• Organise and undertake regular stakeholder engagement activities with VolunteeringACT Members and other volunteer-involving organisations (VIOs) to collect insights and demonstrated impact of volunteering, community information, and inclusion activities for VolunteeringACT’s evidence bank.
• Organise and undertake regular consultation, engagement, and co-design activities to connect sector expertise and lived experience to VolunteeringACT’s policy and advocacy work, including secretariat duties for our Volunteering Strategic Advisory Group (VSAG) and associated Networks.
• Coordinate progression of key actions within the ACT Volunteering Strategy to be led by VACT.
• Support the Senior Manager: Policy, Advocacy and Sector Development to represent VolunteeringACT on the National Policy Group and associated working groups including contributing ideas and providing input to National policy submissions.
• Collaborate with other VACT team members to develop engaging policy and advocacy communications and resources tailored to different stakeholder audiences including the general public, VIOs, Media, Government Agencies and Ministers.
• Work collaboratively in partnership with key stakeholders including Member organisations, Government agencies, and other key stakeholders, and maintain accurate and up to date records of all interactions.
• Effectively recruit, screen, train and manage volunteers to meet organisational and program/project objectives, including utilising retention and recognition techniques.
• Actively and professionally represent the organisation at events, expos and meetings as required.
• Contribute to the preparation of high-quality reports for relevant Government Departments, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Leadership Team.
• Contribute to the smooth running and facilitation of both business sites, including working from the Office at City Walk and working shifts at the Community Info Hub.

Criteria

Essential:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to providing policy advice including research, analysis, and drafting position papers, policy documents, reports etc.
• Demonstrated good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills which support effective partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated high level attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to nurture effective working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

Desirable:

• Understanding and sound working knowledge of the volunteering sector, and current priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

Other requirements:

• Current Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) check or willingness to obtain one.

If you have any questions about the role please ring 02 6251 4060 and speak to Cath or Jean.