Senior Advisor, Government Relations & Engagement

About Us

Minderoo Foundation takes on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas, advocate for systems change and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is proudly Australian, independent, forward thinking and seeks effective, scalable solutions. Through bold, collaborative and selfless action, we seek to dismantle the systems that entrench inequality and advocate for a fairer future. 

Minderoo’s Advocacy & Engagement Enabler, enables Minderoo to strategically support, defend or advocate for its causes, appropriately influencing decisions across political, economic, community, and social institutions. Targeted advocacy, engagement with key stakeholders, including policymakers and government agencies, and strategic communications are crucial for advancing our strategic goals. The 2030 Strategy also places a heightened focus on the role of Advocacy & Engagement in building the capacity of our partners and the broader for-purpose sector, to accelerate impact.

About the Opportunity

Minderoo Foundation is seeking a proactive and strategic Senior Advisor, Government Relations & Engagement to join our Advocacy and Engagement team. In this key role you will shape and manage relationships with government stakeholders across all levels, support advocacy initiatives, and contribute to the development of effective engagement strategies that advance Minderoo’s mission and impact goals.

Reporting to the Director, Government Relations & Engagement, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of strategic lobbying and advocacy efforts while ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation and reporting obligations.
• Developing and managing trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers, industry bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Representing Minderoo at government hearings, meetings, and industry events as required, upholding the highest ethical standards during all interactions.
• Leading the development of policy research and preparing high-quality briefings, submissions, and briefing notes for internal and external audience.
• Staying across political and sectoral developments to provide timely intelligence and insights to support strategic engagement.
• Ensuring all activities adhere to legal and regulatory requirements related to government and public sector engagement.

About You

You are an effective communicator, politically astute, and passionate about using policy and engagement to drive positive systems change. You bring experience navigating government and advocacy environments, and you know to build influence with integrity.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Relations, Law, or a related field.
• 10 + years’ experience in government relations, lobbying or public policy advocacy.
• Proven experience working at a senior level navigating challenges associated with government relations, processes and regulations.
• A sound understanding of political institutions, legislative processes, and regulatory environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing persuasive policy content, briefing materials, and submissions.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capability, with a solutions-focused approach.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, including diplomacy and discretion.
• Experience engaging with government, think tanks, peak bodies, or in regulated or mission-driven sectors.

Benefits

At Minderoo Foundation, we are committed to supporting our people to thrive, both professionally and personally. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible working options
• Attractive Parental Leave
• An inclusive, values-driven workplace

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you interested in this opportunity.

Applications close: Wednesday 18 February.

Please note we reserve the right to extend closing date and/or close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

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Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively enourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.