Director, Government & Advocacy

Type: Part-time (0.8FTE)

Location: Melbourne preferred, but other locations will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Reports to: Executive Director, Policy & Sector Development

Key Relationships

• Practice & Partnerships team
• Knowledge & Practice team
• Membership & Engagement team
• Marketing & Communications team
• PA Policy & Research Committee (PRC)
• PA members, partners and stakeholders
• Key government ministers, advisers and officials

About Philanthropy Australia

Philanthropy Australia (PA) is the national peak body for philanthropy. We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation with more than 900 trusts, foundations, families, individual donors, professional advisers, companies, intermediaries and not-for-profit organisations as our members and partners. 

We provide advocacy, networking, services and resources to the philanthropic and not-for-profit sector, as well as information and research for the Australian community. We support the wider philanthropic efforts of our membership through:

• Amplifying the vital contribution of philanthropy by increasing understanding across communities, business and government
• Inspiring, encouraging and supporting emerging philanthropists for lasting change
• Boosting the reach and results of philanthropy
• Promoting strong, transparent and ethical governance standards across the sector
• Producing and sharing trusted information, research, and stories that connect people to philanthropy and help the sector grow.

About The Role

Philanthropy Australia has an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our growing team as Director, Government & Advocacy.

This position will play a key role shaping and advancing PA’s policy advocacy agenda, driving advocacy initiatives and partnerships, with the aim of strengthening the philanthropy ecosystem.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Policy & Sector Development, it suits a motivated team player and self-starter, who is seeking to join a dynamic and impact-focused organisation.

You will work closely with members, partners, government and regulatory officials to develop and communicate evidence‑based policy positions. You will implement and manage partnerships to build capability, drawing on practical knowledge of policy and regulatory frameworks to provide value and deliver outcomes.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic operator and skilled communicator who is passionate about social impact and has a solid understanding of the not-for-profit sector, including its legal and governance environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver Philanthropy Australia’s policy and advocacy agenda, working closely with the Executive Director, Policy & Sector Development, CEO, Board, members and partners.
• Draft clear, evidence‑based submissions and policy materials, and coordinate member input to inform PA’s positions.
• Build and manage relationships with Ministers, advisers, officials, regulators and other stakeholders to influence policy and regulatory outcomes.
• Establish and lead a new Policy and Government Relations Peer Network for members.
• Manage PA’s engagement with professional advisers and their peak bodies to build capability.
• Contribute to research and sector‑building initiatives in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Provide timely policy and regulatory updates to members and respond to member enquiries.
• Develop practical resources (guides, toolkits, briefings) that support effective, impactful philanthropy.
• Support senior leaders with speeches, presentations, talking points and event/media preparation, and represent PA at relevant forums.
• Provide secretariat support to the Policy & Research Committee and contribute to organisational impact and reporting activities.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in law, economics, public policy, social impact, political science or a related field.
• Experience in the philanthropic, not‑for‑profit or public sectors, with an understanding of the philanthropic environment.
• Strong understanding of government policy processes and the ability to develop and communicate clear, evidence‑based policy positions.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and stakeholders in complex settings.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks; experience with charity and taxation law as it relates to philanthropy is highly regarded.
• Professional governance/sector training (e.g. AICD, Institute of Community Directors, Giving Academy) is an advantage.
• Strategic and proactive, and able to take initiative while working collaboratively with others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and compelling policy and public content.
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills, including with senior government stakeholders.
• Well‑developed organisational skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Confident using digital tools to analyse, present and share information.
• Genuine passion for philanthropy and strong alignment with Philanthropy Australia’s purpose and values.

How to Apply

• Individuals interested in applying, please visit the vacant position listed on Ethical Jobs by clicking the following link – Director, Government & Advocacy.
• Applications close: 5 pm AEST, 19/06/2026.
• For further information, please contact People and Culture at [email protected]

Philanthropy Australia welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds and experiences, including First Nations people, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of all ages. We strive to create a diverse, safe, and inclusive workforce for all team members. We believe in building an inclusive workforce that recognises human difference as a strength and supports our vision for a generous and inclusive Australia. We have commenced our reconciliation journey through our Reflect RAP, and with the support of our First Nations Governance Committee, are taking the next steps to further embed reconciliation initiatives into Philanthropy Australia’s business strategy.