Manager, Government Relations

We're on a mission to bring new and uplifting experiences to our guests, transforming flying from simply 'nice', to something wonderful.

Like any good mission, this one starts with our people.

Which is why we encourage our team to embody the fun, laid back, authentic spirit we've become famous for. Because when they're free to be themselves, they're better able to own their personal responsibilities and go the extra mile to help our guests.

Job Overview

Work type:

Full-Time (Permanent)

Location:

Brisbane

Job type:

Government Relations

Manager, Government Relations

Hello. We’re Virgin Australia. We’re the airline that’s always done things a little different. Our way. The Virgin way. We’re on a mission to make flying better than ‘nice’. And to do that, it takes a team of talented people who are passionate about customer experience, doing the right thing always, with a focus on safety – in the air, on the ground and in our workplaces. A team who values real diversity and inclusion, in a big brand with big ambitions.

About the role:

This role sits as part of the Group’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability team. This team comprises of government and industry relations, reputation, corporate communications and sustainability professionals. As such the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability team are guardians of Virgin Australia Group’s corporate image including via news media and our reputation with Government.

Based out of our Brisbane Head Office, the Government Relations Manager will work collaboratively with the General Manager of Government Relations & Industry Affairs and Virgin Australia leadership to support the development of government engagement strategies to maximise impact in areas impact in areas of strategic significance to the organisation. This role will be positioned as Manager or Senior Manager level dependant on experience.

In this role you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining working relationships with key government stakeholders across state, territory, and federal governments (including parliamentary staffers) to ensure Virgin Australia has consistent, effective government engagement on issues of strategic significance.

- Your responsibilities include, however are not limited to;
- Provide advice to Virgin Australia’s senior leadership and build their capacity to effectively engage with government to achieve the organisations strategic objectives.
- Support the execution of government relations strategies and monitor and report on progress.
- Prepare meeting briefs and advice to the Executive Leadership Team, and relevant background material ahead of engagement with relevant Ministers, members of parliament, and key Government Departments.
- Work closely with the wider Corporate Affairs team to ensure that Virgin Australia’s government relations strategies are aligned with and supported by our media engagement and other public communications.

You’ll be great in this role if you have:

- Previous experience in a similar role within a corporate setting.
- 5+ years experience in a government relations advisory role in Australia.
- Willingness to work collaboratively, with experience in building consensus on complex issues.
- You will possess excellent people skills and a proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with colleagues, MPs, advisers, and departmental representatives.
- The ability to work with minimal supervision and effectively prioritise to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret policy directions and political motivations.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence stakeholders and effect change.

What you’ll get from us

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to ):

- Discounted flights for you and your loved ones (including $1000 worth of travel credits per year)
- A flexible, hybrid work style with the option to work from home a couple of days per week.
- One of Brisbane’s most admired head office locations, with South Bank train station, a supermarket, pharmacy, and lunch options downstairs plus a 5-minute walk to the Busway, a rooftop restaurant and onsite gym (with a low membership fee) and South Bank Parklands just across the road
- Discounts on travel insurance, lounge membership, car hire, accommodation, and experiences worldwide
- Cheaper hospitality, retail, technology, beauty and wellness services
- Free counselling and access to a wellbeing app to support your physical, mental, social and financial health
- ‘Dress for Your Day’ – enjoy the freedom to wear whatever makes you feel great for the type of work you do and the day you have ahead of you.

When everyone is included, everyone wins

We’re all individuals. And we love that. That’s why we encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, our friends in the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to join our family

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