Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs

About the job

Who are we?

Standards Australia (SA) is the peak standards development organisation in Australia, with a rich history that dates back to 1922. Currently, we are undergoing a significant transformation and growth phase. In recent years, our headcount has doubled, and we now proudly employ over 300 professionals dedicated to helping shape Australia's future and fulfilling our mission of empowering communities.

Our organisation brings experts together to create national and international standards that serve as essential guidelines for products and services, ultimately benefiting the Australian community. Our vision is to be a global leader in providing trusted solutions that improve life today and tomorrow.

About The Role

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the enhancement of SA's relationships with governments and other stakeholders. You will drive positive outcomes for the community, our members, customers, and our business.

As Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs, you'll drive meaningful change by influencing policies that enhance safety, innovation, and industry best practices. This role offers the chance to collaborate with key stakeholders and create lasting public benefit, making a real impact on Australia's future.

What You'll Do

1. Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive government relations and public affairs strategies
2. Positively promote SA's initiatives and policies by building and maintaining strong working relationships with key Ministerial and Shadow contacts, Members of Parliament, government departments, agencies, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies
3. Monitor the political and regulatory environment, and proactively identify key areas of public policy for opportunities and impacts to SA's operations
4. Contribute to the promotion, education, communication, influence, and publication of key advocacy messages and campaigns across all levels of government
5. Represent SA at external events, including government hearings and inquiries
6. Act as a spokesperson for SA, effectively communicating SA's positions and initiatives to external audiences, including the media
7. Coordinate and collaborate with key internal stakeholders across the business to ensure a holistic approach to engagement with key Ministerial and government contacts
8. Provide government relations advice to senior management and the Executive Leadership Team to achieve key outcomes
9. Prepare reports and updates for the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team on government relations strategy, activities, key measures of success, and outcomes

About you

1. A minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or a related field; preferably within the standards, regulatory, association, or not-for-profit sectors
2. Tertiary level qualifications in a relevant discipline (i.e., Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Political Science, Communications, or a related field)
3. Proven track record in developing and executing successful government relations and public affairs strategies, including a current strong network of government and associated relationships
4. A deep understanding and interest in the political and legislative process and regulatory environment, including working with/within government or a government agency
5. Well-developed analytical skills, including the ability to assess and critically evaluate the validity of information and research
6. Strong communication, interpersonal and writing skills, including the demonstrated ability to write reports, project proposals, submissions, and newsletters
7. Excellent stakeholder management skills, including ability to manage a diverse group of high-profile stakeholders involved in complex negotiations
8. Ability to initiate and manage projects, develop and implement strategies, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities within a team environment
9. High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information
10. If not located in Canberra, willing to travel / spend time in Canberra frequently for key meetings
11. Willing to travel interstate and overseas as required (current passport required)

Culture & Benefits

Standards Australia is proud to have been awarded the prestigious Employer of Choice Award for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. This recognition highlights our commitment to creating an exceptional workplace and fostering a culture of excellence. Our iCARE values form the basis of all we do - Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Benefits

Standards Australia offers many benefits such as flexibility with working from home, regular team events, additional personal/carer's leave, continuous learning, and career development opportunities. Our award-winning People Perks program includes the following great benefits for eligible employees:

1. Nine-day fortnight - enjoy every second Friday off
2. Growing Family & Parental leave benefits - 16 weeks paid leave for primary carers, plus Superannuation contributions made on unpaid leave; 4 weeks paid leave for secondary carers
3. Workiversary rewards - your commitment and loyalty won't go unrecognised
4. Global working - do you have working rights in another country? Enjoy a few weeks of international working every year
5. Early access to long service leave - why wait 10 years for long service leave? 5 years sounds a lot better

What's next?

If Standards Australia sounds like the place for you, please submit your CV outlining your experience and suitability to this role. Eligible applicants must be Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents or have legal rights to work in Australia. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 15 business days of their application.

At Standards Australia, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to fostering a working environment that values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Our mission is to empower our communities, and in doing so, we strive to create an organisation that genuinely reflects and respects the diversity of the communities we serve; putting people at the heart of all we do. We welcome applications from people of all cultural and linguistic groups, people of all ages and genders, people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background, people with a disability, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community. Should you need any adjustments to be made to our recruitment process, please contact recruitment@standards.org.au