Head of Insights & Influence

• Opportunity to work at the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the only national foundation specifically focussed on ensuring the social and economic strength of Australia’s remote, rural and regional communities.
• The chance to shape FRRR’s insights, influence and national voice; ensuring rural, remote and regional communities are seen, heard and supported to drive lasting impact.
• Full time (1.0) position – with flexible working arrangements available (eg. part-time 0.9)
• Remote/hybrid location – due to regular travel requirements of the role, we require the individual to be located within commuting distance to Melbourne (Naarm) or Sydney (Warrane).
• $129,000 – $134,000 (FTE) per annum excluding superannuation.

Role summary

The Head of Insights & Influence will lead FRRR’s strategic communications, rural and remote insights, impact measurement and reporting, and strategic influence functions to elevate FRRR’s voice and visibility. This role is responsible for refining how FRRR articulates its purpose, value, and impact; generating insights that influence and shape change, and activating strategic alliances that amplify rural, remote, and very remote community perspectives.

This is a pivotal leadership role that will drive a step-change in how FRRR is understood – internally and externally, by embedding a bold, authentic, and contemporary voice across all platforms and partnerships.

In collaboration with the executive leadership group, this role will uphold the organisation’s values and culture, lead a high performing and culturally aligned team, and successfully execute relevant initiatives in the 2026-2028 strategic plan and beyond.

Who you are (selection criteria)

• You hold tertiary qualifications in policy, social sciences, community development, social impact, or an equivalent field or equivalent experience.
• You possess proven experience in senior roles that required cross-functional collaboration, government relations, advocacy, or strategic communications to grow profile, reach, and influence.
• You may bring experience in the fields of climate adaptation, rural industries, disaster resilience, or philanthropy, with the ability to connect these contexts to FRRR’s mission.
• You are skilled in preparing high-calibre reports, policy papers, and presentations for diverse audiences, including Boards, policymakers, philanthropic organisations, and community stakeholders.
• You demonstrate strong grounding in social impact measurement models and sector trends, using evidence and data to inform advocacy, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
• You hold demonstrated success in building and stewarding strategic alliances with governments, philanthropists, industry, and community stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
• You have an exceptional ability to distil complex data, concepts, and lived experience into clear, compelling, and accessible narratives that influence decisions and drive systemic change.
• You are an inclusive, adaptive, and impact-oriented leader, committed to equity and authenticity, who is experienced in building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• You have experience working in the place-based sector, and you bring cultural competency and a commitment to working in partnership with First Nations communities.
• You are confident and authentic in a wide range of settings; from grassroots conversations to policy forums and boardrooms bringing credibility, presence, and influence to every interaction.

Research indicates that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised individuals often wait until they fulfil every requirement. If you believe you have the attributes to do the job but don’t match every point on the job ad, we welcome and encourage your application.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and support the performance and wellbeing of the Insights & Influence team, providing inspirational and grounded leadership, coaching, and direction.
• Develop and lead a non-partisan strategy to engage decision-makers across all levels of government.
• Lead the development of insights, products, and platforms that elevate underrepresented RRvR perspectives.
• Build and steward alliances with system reformers and influential partners in FRRR’s strategic focus areas to deepen and scale better insights and solutions in remote, very remote, and rural communities.
• Oversee Marketing and Communications, and Impact, Measurement and Data Analysis teams to achieve their departmental goals.

Please see the Head of Insights & Influence position description for more.

How to Apply

To express your interest, submit an online application through our application portal, SHE HR Consulting website and include a professional resume. All applicants must also provide brief responses to the application questions that are included as part of the online application.

Note: we do not accept cover letters as part of our application process. For more information, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Insights and Influence – Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal – Melbourne / Sydney enquiry.