Senior Government Engagement + Strategic Growth Advisor

Position Title

Senior Government Engagement and Strategic Growth Advisor

Location

Flexible / Australia-wide

Employment Type

Consulting for up to 12 weeks

Pay Rate

Between $200 and $230/hr plus superannuation

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced senior executive with an extensive Australian Government background and established relationships across Commonwealth Departments and agencies. This role will play a critical part in supporting the organisation's growth strategy by facilitating high-level government engagement, identifying strategic opportunities, assisting with grant funding initiatives and supporting export market development.

The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of government processes, decision-making frameworks and stakeholder networks to create opportunities for the organisation to engage effectively with government agencies and programs.

This position would ideally suit a former Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1, 2 or 3 officer with significant experience operating at the most senior levels of the Australian Public Service.

Key Responsibilities

Government Engagement and Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships across Commonwealth Departments, agencies and government stakeholders.
• Facilitate introductions and engagement opportunities between the organisation and key government decision-makers.
• Identify emerging government priorities, policy initiatives and procurement opportunities relevant to the organisation.
• Provide strategic advice on navigating government processes, governance frameworks and stakeholder engagement approaches.
• Represent the organisation in meetings, forums and discussions with senior government officials and industry stakeholders.
• Assist the executive team in positioning the organisation as a trusted partner to government.

Strategic Business Development

• Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and growth within government and related sectors.
• Support the development and execution of market expansion strategies.
• Provide advice regarding government procurement pathways, funding opportunities and strategic engagement activities.
• Monitor policy developments and assess potential impacts and opportunities for the business.

Grants and Funding

• Identify suitable Commonwealth, State and international grant opportunities.
• Lead the preparation, review and submission of grant applications.
• Develop compelling funding proposals, business cases and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with funding bodies and relevant stakeholders throughout application and assessment processes.
• Provide advice regarding grant compliance, reporting requirements and funding obligations.

Export Development and Austrade Engagement

• Assist the organisation in identifying and pursuing international growth opportunities.
• Work closely with Austrade and other relevant Government agencies to support export initiatives.
• Provide strategic advice on export market entry, trade development programs and government export assistance schemes.
• Facilitate engagement with international stakeholders, trade missions and industry programs.
• Support the development of export strategies aligned with the organisation's commercial objectives.

Strategic Advice

• Provide high-level advice to the executive leadership team on government relations, public sector engagement and growth opportunities.
• Prepare executive briefings, strategic papers, stakeholder maps and engagement plans.
• Contribute to organisational planning and business growth initiatives.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience as a Senior Executive Service (SES) officer within the Australian Government, preferably at SES Band 1, SES Band 2 or SES Band 3 level.
• Extensive understanding of Australian Government structures, processes, decision-making and stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain influential relationships with senior government officials and executives.
• Proven experience facilitating strategic engagement between government and private sector organisations.
• Strong knowledge of Commonwealth grant programs, funding mechanisms and application processes.
• Demonstrated experience preparing successful grant applications and funding submissions.
• Experience supporting export development activities and engagement with Austrade and related organisations.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of professionalism, discretion and integrity.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in both government and private sector environments.
• Existing networks across key Commonwealth departments and agencies.
• Experience in international trade, export development or market expansion initiatives.
• Experience working with boards, CEOs and executive leadership teams.
• Understanding of government procurement and tender processes.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Relationship Management
• Government and Public Sector Expertise
• Business Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Grant and Funding Management
• Export Development
• Executive Communication
• Commercial Awareness
• Influencing and Negotiation
• Strategic Planning

Success Measures

The successful candidate will:

• Establish and strengthen strategic government relationships for the organisation.
• Generate meaningful engagement opportunities with relevant government stakeholders.
• Improve access to government programs, initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Increase the organisation's success in securing grant funding.
• Support growth in export opportunities and engagement with Austrade.
• Contribute directly to the organisation's business growth and strategic objectives.