Director, Policy & Advocacy

About AbSec 

Our vision is that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people are looked after in safe, thriving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, raised strong in spirit and identity, with every opportunity for lifelong wellbeing and connection to culture, and surrounded by holistic supports.

In working towards this vision, we are guided by these principles:

• Acknowledging and respecting the diversity and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

• Acting with professionalism and integrity in striving for quality, culturally responsive services and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.

• Underpinning the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop our own processes and systems for our communities, particularly in meeting the needs of our children, young people, families and carers.

• Being holistic, integrated and solutions-focused through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander control in delivering outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities.

• Committing to a future that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, representing our communities, and the agencies there to serve them, with transparency and drive.

 Position purpose

The Director, Policy and Advocacy is responsible for the development and design of policy reform to promote positive advancements and systemic change for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities affected by the child protection and out-of-home care sector in NSW. This position will provide strategic advice across a broad range of policy areas, and manage a wide array of policy, advocacy, campaign, and research initiatives to achieve change on priorities for the sector. This includes management of the Communications and Memberships function to strategically amplify and support AbSec’s advocacy agenda. This includes ensuring culturally appropriate, high-quality communications and campaigns that build community engagement, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and promote AbSec’s policy priorities.

 The Director, Policy and Advocacy will represent AbSec in key stakeholder discussions and community forums, partnering with the Chief Operating Officer and the executive team to deliver AbSec’s projects and advance its strategic priorities. The role will actively support cross-functional collaboration and shared leadership, fostering a cohesive, organisation-wide approach that drives meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal children, families, and communities.

Accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership and advocacy by developing evidence-informed policy positions, representing AbSec in key forums, and influencing systems to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

• Build and strengthen relationships and sector collaboration through strategic partnerships, member engagement, and collective advocacy to achieve organisational objectives and foster a cohesive Aboriginal sector.

• Lead communications, policy, and engagement strategies by overseeing culturally appropriate communications, marketing, membership, and events, while promoting best practice policy development and ensuring alignment with AbSec's values and strategic agenda.

• Provide strategic leadership across communications and engagement by overseeing culturally appropriate communications, marketing, membership and public reporting initiatives that strengthen AbSec's advocacy, brand and public influence.

• Drive operational excellence and organisational performance

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of effective policy development approaches of key issues to a range of stakeholders, including demonstrated experience forging policy and evaluating performance frameworks that are outcomes based.

• Experience in managing projects, including preparing project documentation, building relationships, and understanding government processes.

• Understanding of NSW legislative and political mechanisms and processes within government; experience in lobbying government to cultivate reforms and change.

• Excellent advocacy, consensus building; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and across the political spectrum.

• Thorough knowledge of AbSec’s target groups and the impacts of government reform agendas in human services, including but not limited to, child protection and out-of-home care.

• Highly competent in preparing and presenting papers at Board and committee levels, with the capacity to respond to multiple stakeholder requirements while maintaining confidentiality and due process.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of professionals in undertaking effective research, developing proposals and driving strategic papers and priorities.

• Excellent administration, organisation, and time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to plan and manage work priorities and complete concurrent tasks and projects to a high standard within strict deadlines.

• Demonstrated understanding of systemic challenges impacting Aboriginal children, young people, families, and communities.

 Benefits:

• Full-time 35-hour week based in Redfern

• Salary: SCHADS Level 7 commensurate with skills and experience plus superannuation and not-for-profit salary packaging

• Hybrid work arrangement in a supportive and friendly work environment

To obtain a position description detailing full accountabilities and selection criteria, please visit our website: https://absec.org.au/careers/

How to apply:

• Address all selection criteria outlined in the position description, demonstrating your skills and experience to secure an interview.

• Submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and a current resume (not more than 5 pages) here

• Note: Applicants that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for an interview.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged.

Enquiries about the position please contact the People and Culture Team by email: **@absec.org.au