General Manager – Policy and Public Affairs

Join us to support Aussies to live, move and stay active

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the nation’s leading voice on exercise and sports science. We govern and represent approximately 10,000 degree-qualified accredited exercise professionals who support Australians to reach their health and performance goals.

About your role

The General Manager, Policy and Public Affairs leads ESSA’s policy, advocacy and public affairs agenda to influence government, strengthen the profession and enhance ESSA’s impact. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) you will advise the CEO and Board, lead a high-performing team and build influential relationships across government, industry and healthcare. You will drive evidence-based policy, advocacy, government relations and stakeholder engagement to position ESSA as the trusted voice of exercise and sports science.

What you will do:

• Provide strategic leadership for ESSA’s Policy and Public Affairs portfolio, aligned with organisational priorities
• Lead the development and delivery of evidence-based policy, advocacy and public affairs initiatives
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Board and ELT on emerging government, political and policy issues
• Build influential relationships with government, regulators, healthcare, industry, education and professional organisations
• Lead advocacy initiatives that influence government policy, funding, regulation and legislative reform
• Represent ESSA at government consultations, parliamentary inquiries, industry forums and advisory groups
• Work collaboratively across ESSA to strengthen stakeholder engagement, public affairs and ESSA’s influence
• Lead a high-performing team and oversee Unit planning, budget, risk, governance, reporting and continuous improvement

Your competitive edge will include:

• Significant experience in policy, advocacy, public affairs or government relations
• Proven success influencing policy and strategic outcomes
• Strong relationships with government, regulators and key stakeholders
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Experience managing budgets, governance and business planning
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, health, communications, law or a related field
• Previous experience with a Not for Profit (NFP) (desirable)
• Post graduate education in Exercise, Sports Science, or a Health Policy-related discipline (desirable)

The perks

• Bonus Christmas and birthday leave
• Flexible, hybrid working with two days WFH
• A generous, yearly wellbeing allowance and access to member discounts
• Fresh fruit and pantry items delivered weekly
• A brand-new light filled office in the heart of Newstead

People are at the heart of what we do and we’re proud to celebrate diversity of thought, background, and experience. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.

Questions or would like a copy of the position description? Please get in touch with Sally at people@essa.org.au