Chief Strategy, Policy and Engagement Officer

Chief Strategy, Policy and Engagement Officer Carers ACT

Summary Step into a pivotal executive role at Carers ACT and use your leadership and vision to influence change in systems and services, create impact for the community, and to empower, connect and support carers.

Oversee Carers ACTs policy and advocacy positions to influence and drive change, and build reputation, brand, and strategic engagement

Contribute your strategic expertise to business development and broader community frameworks that support and recognise carers.

Lead passionate teams inside a values-based organisation.

The organisation Carers ACT is the leading not-for-profit organisation supporting unpaid carers in the ACT.

We advocate for improved recognition, wellbeing and support for Canberra’s more than 58,000 carers. While focused on driving systemic change within the ACT and advancing the ACT Carer Strategy and the ACT Carers Recognition Act 2021, our reach extends nationally through our membership of the National Network of Carer Associations, ensuring local voices influence national policy.

Carers ACT delivers a variety of services that includes respite, group programs, post-hospital and disability services. Significantly, as the Carer Gateway delivery partner for the region, we connect carers to essential services, emergency support, and practical assistance.

With strong governance, a volunteer Board, and a passionate staff, we are committed to building a Canberra that truly “cares for carers”,

The role Carers ACT is seeking an experienced and purpose-driven leader to join their executive team as Chief Strategy, Policy and Engagement Officer. This is a key leadership role within Carers ACT, responsible for the organisation’s strategy, advocacy and communications functions and building a sphere of influence that enables Carers ACT to meet our mission by improving the lives of carers.

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Strategy, Policy and Engagement Officer drives our reputation with the carer community and with government including all ministerial engagement, relationships with community sector organisations, stakeholders and with sister organisations in other jurisdictions.

Carers ACT is looking for a values-led executive with a strong track record in social policy and policy proposals in environments such as health, aged care, disability, or community services Demonstrated experience in state or federal policy processes is essential, along with a proven ability to engage senior stakeholders. Strong written, verbal, and media communication skills are critical, as is the capacity to unify teams, foster a positive culture, and lead change effectively. Carers have diverse backgrounds, experiences and needs and, as such, Carers ACT welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and skills

This is a unique opportunity to drive policy and advocacy for Carers ACT and shape services that directly impact thousands of carers.

Essential Skills and Experience

Extensive experience leading and building engaged and high-performing teams in a related government, policy or systemic advocacy role within the community, health or social care sectors.

Exceptional relationship-building, written and verbal communication skills.

Hold or able to obtain national police, working with vulnerable people and NDIS worker clearances.

Communications and media experience

Experience in philanthropy and fundraising which is likely to be a growth area for Carers ACT.

The role is Canberra based and requires regular in-person engagement with ACT and federal officials.

For-purpose, passionate and engaged working environment based in Holt, ACT

Non-profit Salary packaging arrangements

Reasonable hours and a working environment that values work-life balance and wellbeing.

Salary: $165,000 per annum commensurate with experience.

To apply

Please consider the attached position description, and review Carers ACT’s annual reports and financial statements, website and ACNC profile.

Once you have absorbed this information and completed your own research, if you have specific questions, please call us on 6296 9900 or email hr@carersact.org.au using the subject line:

Chief Strategy, Policy and Engagement Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs

Submit your application, including your

CV (3 pages max) , as well as a

one-page cover letter

outlining how your skills and experience align to this opportunity and why you are interested in joining Carers ACT.

A considered cover letter will be a critical part of your application.

$165,000 per annum commensurate with experience + salary packaging

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