Director, Policy, Regulatory & Advocacy

A defining leadership role in the marketing industry in Australia.
The newly formed Marketing Association of Australia, bringing together AANA and ADMA, is creating the Centre for Policy, Regulation & Advocacy - a national centre of policy expertise for the marketing and advertising industry in Australia.
Reporting to the CEO and joining the senior leadership team, you will establish the Centre and lead the Marketing Association of Australia’s policy, regulation, government relations and advocacy agenda. You will help shape the rules governing how Australian businesses connect with consumers and ensure the industry is heard with clarity and authority.
This role has an attractive executive remuneration package with a generous performance bonus.
What you will leadBuild the Centre. Set its vision, model, priorities and reputation as the industry's trusted source of policy and regulatory leadership.Shape policy and regulation. Lead evidence-based positions on privacy and data, AI, consumer law, digital platforms, greenwashing, advertising restrictions and emerging technology.Influence government. Build trusted relationships across Federal and State governments, ministerial and opposition offices, minor parties, departments and regulators including the ACCC, ACMA and OAIC.Evolve self-regulation. Modernise MAA's Codes, guidelines and self-regulatory framework with members, Ad Standards and the broader ecosystem.Create member value and industry impact. Turn complexity into clear advice and training, and represent MAA in consultations, hearings, media, conferences and C-suite forums.
What you will bringSenior public policy leadership across regulatory affairs, government relations, government affairs, public affairs, advocacy or law in a complex environment.Political judgement and influence, with credibility among ministers, advisers, officials, regulators, Board members and C-suite leaders.Sharp analysis and communication, with the ability to master complex issues quickly and distil them into persuasive, actionable advice.Executive presence to command a room, facilitate robust discussions and deliver high-impact policy and regulatory training.Collaborative leadership to align diverse interests, build coalitions and lead a small team. Legal experience and established government relationships are preferred, not essential.
Why MAABuild something enduring at a defining moment for the profession. Work with an engaged CEO, Board and community of leading brands in a supportive, high-performing culture with genuinely flexible arrangements. The role may be structured at four days per week for an exceptional candidate.
ApplyPlease send your resume and a concise cover letter outlining the policy or regulatory outcome you are most proud of to ceo@marketingassociation.au.For a confidential discussion or a copy of the full position description, contact the same address.
Applications close Sunday, 13 September 2026. The preferred commencement is mid-to-late November 2026 to support a considered handover.
If this opportunity excites you but your experience does not match every point, we still encourage you to still apply. We value diversity, and different career paths and perspectives.