Policy and Advocacy Manager

Overview

Join to apply for the Policy and Advocacy Manager role at Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.

This role reports to the Executive Director's Chief of Staff and will lead the development of education policy and advocacy initiatives aligned with MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

Base pay range

Base pay range: $1.00/yr - $1.00/yr

Global context

MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia, owning and operating approximately 300 Catholic schools, employing over 17,000 staff and serving more than 118,000 students and families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

WHY WORK FOR US?

• Professional development opportunities with a defined personalised annual budget
• Access to flexible working arrangements, including working from home
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supported by Mental Health First Aiders

The MACS Code of Conduct embodies our commitment to a positive work environment inspired by our Catholic faith. Staff are expected to read and model the behaviours in the Code.

YOUR ROLE

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will shape and advance MACS's strategic policy agenda to support the MACS 2030 Strategic Plan across the Archdiocese of Melbourne. You will engage with government bodies, educational institutions, and Church partners to influence education policy at state, national, and global levels.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on policy trends and implications for MACS and Catholic education.
• Develop and manage advocacy initiatives, including responses to parliamentary inquiries and legislative developments relevant to MACS priorities.
• Represent MACS in consultation forums and working groups to contribute to policy development and align advocacy efforts with internal policy activities.
• Prepare briefing papers, reports, speeches, and correspondence for the Executive Director and senior leaders.
• Collaborate with School Principals and teams across MACS to align advocacy efforts (Compliance, Legal, Communications, School Improvement, Catholic Mission and Identity).
• Prepare content for public consumption (school circulars, media releases, website, social media).
• Lead a team.

ABOUT YOU

• 5+ years in policy development within government relations, public policy, or advocacy, preferably in education or the public sector.
• Understanding of the political environment affecting Catholic and non-government education in Victoria and Australia.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to tailor strategic advice for different audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to articulate the value proposition and mission of Catholic education.
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability to change and competing priorities.
• Experience with Catholic or faith-based organisations is preferable but not essential.

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the position description for details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria. Click APPLY to submit your application. For queries, contact our HR team by email recruitment@macs.vic.edu.au.

You will need to provide:

1. An up-to-date resume
2. A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria (two pages)

MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check and must be willing to obtain and maintain a National Criminal History Check. Candidates must hold full Australian Working Rights and provide evidence of this.

Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants

MACS collects your personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your information, you consent to its use for recruitment purposes. Applicants can withdraw at any time. For details, see the full Privacy Collection Notice here.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4.00pm Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Consulting and Legal

Industries

• Education Management

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