Advocacy Advisor

• Drive political wins for better heart health
• Permanent Full Time | Hyrbid | NFP Salary Packaging
• Join a savvy team that knows how to campaign

About Us

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and every day, 50 people in Australia lose their lives to heart disease. As Australia's leading heart health charity, the Heart Foundation's mission is to change this and make heart health achievable for everyone.

About the Role

We're after someone with campaign smarts, sharp instincts, and a hunger to make things happen. This is a hands-on role right at the coalface of political advocacy where strategy turns into action and real change is the goal.

Based in Canberra, you'll team up with the Head of Advocacy to roll out targeted campaigns that influence policy, unlock funding, and get decision-makers on board at all levels of government.

You'll come in with political nous, a strong network, and a knack for spotting the moment ready to build momentum behind issues that matter. You know how to read a room, write a sharp brief, and get the right people talking.

This is your chance to lead from the front: shaping the strategy, building alliances, briefing MPs, hosting events that land, and making sure heart health stays on the agenda.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Head of Advocacy to roll out our agenda across federal, state and local governments — with a focus on campaigns that shift policy, secure funding and drive change where it counts.
• Bring your political network and people skills to the table — building trusted relationships across the aisle with MPs, advisers, public servants and sector leaders.
• Spot the moments that matter — and use them to influence policy, legislation or funding decisions that improve heart health.
• Team up with like-minded organisations to build strong alliances and push shared priorities further.
• Champion our values in everything you do — inclusive, respectful and grounded in community.

About you

• You've got at least three years of experience running or backing advocacy or political campaigns. You know how to shift opinion, build pressure and land results.
• You bring a strong network and a solid track record of building relationships across politics, including Ministers, Shadow Ministers, public servants and sector leaders.
• You think strategically and act with intent. You've planned and delivered campaigns that cut through the noise, shape conversations and drive real change.
• You know how to run a great event, from concept to delivery, and use it to influence the right people at the right time.
• You're a sharp communicator who can write speeches, prep briefs, shape talking points and craft messages that move hearts and minds.
• You're adaptable and stay cool under pressure. When the landscape shifts, you pivot quickly and keep things moving forward.
• You work well with others, thrive in a team and know how to pull people together inside and outside the organisation to get things done.
• Passionate about improving heart health for all, regardless of background, location or economic circumstances.

Why join the Heart Foundation

At the Heart Foundation, you'll find more than just a job - you'll find purpose. Every day, we make a meaningful impact through our work, and we are committed to supporting our employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse, safe, and inclusive workplace. We actively seek to represent the communities we serve and recognise the invaluable skills, knowledge, and perspectives a diverse team brings. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from all backgrounds.

What We Offer:

• Salary packaging to help you make the most of your earnings.
• Flexible work-from-home options (hybrid working from our Canberra office)
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture where your contributions are valued.
• Additional gifted leave during the Christmas shutdown period.
• Wellbeing programs and initiatives to support your personal and professional growth.

How to apply

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you Submit your application online or contact Stephanie at careers@heartfoundation.org.au if you require any workplace adjustments.

We expect to close this advertisement at 11:59pm on Sunday 7 Sep. Please do not delay your application as we may close it early if we receive a large number of responses.

All employment offers are subject to relevant pre-employment checks such as National criminal history check and Working with Children Check and others that may be relevant to this role.