Social Policy and Advocacy Lead. Permanent Full Time – Newcastle or Sydney

About theOrganisation
Make a real difference in the human services sector with this unique opportunity to provide both corporate expertise and community support. With a focus on people, not profit, Life Without Barriers' corporate services team partners with our direct support staff, carers, people we support and their families to ensure we partner with people to change lives for the better. If a truly inclusive, collaborative, and fast-paced work environment sounds like your next career move, this is an opening not to be missed.

Life Without Barriers is a leading social purpose organisation of 12,500 employees working in more than 500 communities across Australia. We support children, young people and families, people with disability, older Australians, refugee and asylum seekers and people exposed to forced marriages. We are one of Australia's most diverse and trusted not for profits.

We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of the communities in which we live and work to ensure we can support each client's individual needs and wants. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply.

About the Role

As the Social Policy and Advocacy Lead, you will play a pivotal role in leading and reporting on our organisation's social policy and advocacy work. You will ensure that our advocacy positions are informed, evidence based and aligned to lived experience, while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive change in the care sector.

This position can be based in Newcastle or Sydney with occasional travel required. Some in office time is expected with flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the implementation of the Board approved policy and advocacy agenda
• Conducting research and policy analysis to inform timely advice and submissions
• Developing accessible, well informed policy positions and campaign responses
• Monitoring government consultations, legislative changes and sector developments
• Partnering with colleagues, external organisations and media to design and deliver impactful advocacy campaigns
• Supporting stakeholder engagement and maintaining strategic partnerships across government, sector bodies and community
  

Skills & Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, social sciences or related field
• Proven experience in policy development and/or advocacy campaigns, preferably in the human services sector
• Strong understanding of government and parliamentary processes, including policy cycles
• Exceptional research, analytical, writing and communication skills
• Ability to influence, collaborate and build strong working relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and reporting on outcomes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and an understanding of digital/social media trends
  

Benefits

• Join one of Australia's largest and leading social-purpose organisations
• Be part of a mission driven organisation creating positive impact in the care sector
• Competitive remuneration package that includes excellent salary packaging benefits through Maxxia
• Monthly rostered day off
  

Successful candidates will be required to clear probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check and Working with Children Check (where relevant to the role).

How to Apply
Please include your resume and cover letter in one document. Click 'Apply' and follow the prompts. For any inquiries or assistance with adjustments, please contact Debbie Neil at recruitment@lwb.org.au.

Candidates with disabilities who require adjustments to the recruitment process or the application form in an alternate format can visit https://www.lwb.org.au/careers/ for information on our access and inclusion work and how to contact us directly.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 17th August 2025.

Interviews will commence the week of the 25th August.