Why work with us?  

We are a dynamic, inclusive and forward-thinking organisation, working collaboratively to provide meaningful programs to our communities across Australia. We ensure that we celebrate employee success and connect as an organisation as regularly as possible. 

As a thank you for coming on the journey with us, we provide a wide range of benefits and wellbeing initiatives, including: 

• A generous not-for-profit salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 for everyday living expenses (including rent/mortgage payments), plus Meal and Entertainment allowance of up to $2,650 per FBT year. 

• Great leave entitlements including access to Purchased Leave, 2 days gifted leave at Christmas, Health & Wellbeing leave, Accrued Day Off program and 17.5% annual leave loading.  

• Truly flexible workplace – hybrid office/WFH model.  

• Internal and external learning and development opportunities. 

• Access to an extensive suite of wellbeing offerings through our Employee Assistance Program. 

Why this role? 

As the Advocacy Manager, you will lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the advocacy agenda at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) to drive positive policy and funding outcomes across Federal, State, and Local governments. You will oversee the policy landscape, staying informed of evolving evidence on prevention and minimization of AOD harm. Your role includes guiding the strategy for engaging with government, directing efforts on priority and emerging issues, crafting key messages, monitoring the impact of our advocacy, and cultivating strong strategic partnerships with stakeholders and coalitions. Your work will be essential in advancing the ADF’s purpose and strategic objectives. 

Some of the Key Responsibilities include: 

• Lead the development and monitoring of the ADF’s Advocacy Strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders. 

• Identify policy priorities in line with the ADF strategic plan and promote evidence-informed practices for AOD prevention. 

• Build partnerships, secure funding, and contribute to the ADF’s Reconciliation Action Plan. 

• Implement advocacy activities and develop key communications on AOD issues with the Executive Team. 

• Analyse political and public positions on AOD issues and adapt advocacy positions based on evolving evidence. 

• Support the development of submissions and ensure staff understand advocacy’s role in achieving ADF goals. 

• Build strong relationships with MPs, community leaders, and NGOs to influence AOD policy. 

• Establish strategic coalitions with relevant organizations and experts to enhance advocacy efforts. 

• Identify and engage champions for AOD issues and represent ADF in media, conferences, and meetings. 

Who are we looking for? 

We are keen to hear from excellent influencers and communicators, who are passionate about government relations, demonstrating the ability to influence State and Federal Government policy to create meaningful change. You will have proven track record of providing high level advice to key stakeholders, showcasing innovation, creativity and strategic thinking.  

Experience and skills that will set you up for success in this role include: 

• Undergraduate or post graduate qualifications in the field of social policy, preventative health or other relevant field 

• Minimum of five years’ experience working with government relations   

• Demonstrated capacity to influence State and Federal Government policy 

• Demonstrated experience providing high level advice to a range of significant stakeholders 

• Demonstrated capacity for innovation, creativity, and strategic and lateral thinking 

• Proven ability to produce high quality written work that is suited to audience and provides clear messages 

• High Level of expertise and current knowledge of the Australian preventative health/social policy environment and the culture, structure, processes of Government, NGO sector 

Position Description - Advocacy Manager

Please visit our ADF careers page to download a full copy of the position description. 

How do I apply? 

Click the APPLY NOW button to submit your application. Please include a resume and cover letter outlining your interest for the role. 

Applications close on the Friday 7 February 2025 at 5pm AEST. Applicants may be contacted prior to the closing date, so we encourage you to submit your application ASAP. 

Here at the ADF we encourage cultural diversity, and our programs are reflective of our community partners, stakeholders, and community at large.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. 

If you have any queries about the role, please contact People and Culture via email on peopleandculture@adf.org.au  

We look forward to hearing from you!