Stakeholder Engagement Manager

SydWest is a not-for-profit organisation which is committed in providing a broad range of services across Greater Western Sydney, Western Sydney, the Inner West and the City of Sydney. We are a leading organisation on cultural diversity offering flexible and quality services across the life cycle for refugees and migrants; support for seniors; disability support; women and families; youth; housing support; and settlement services. SydWest Multicultural Services' mission is to deliver quality services meeting diverse needs to maximise individual and community outcomes. Our Vision is to create an inclusive society where all people have equal opportunities to grow and thrive.

The Stakeholder Engagement Manager at SydWest Multicultural Services plays a vital role in developing, nurturing and maintaining trusted relationships that advance our mission and create meaningful outcomes for the communities that we serve. This role is essential for managing policy outcomes, advocacy strategies, and engagement initiatives for the Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium (WSRSC) and its members. These responsibilities will take up two and half days of the week as it is a requirement of Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) — an Australian Government program that helps newly arrived humanitarian entrants and other eligible migrants settle into life in Australia.

The remaining two and a half days of the week will require leading the development of our stakeholder engagement plans with local councils, peak bodies (such as the Settlement Council of Australia, Ageing Australia, and National Disability Services) and funding bodies (such as Department of Communities & Justice, National Disability Insurance Agency, foundations like Paul Ramsay Foundation, and other grant makers).

This position reports to the Head of Marketing & Communications and works closely with our CEO, Manager of Settlement, and wider Leadership Team (LT) to enhance and influence the position of SydWest in its advocacy and representation in settlement, aged care, disability, and other relevant services. Whilst this position reports to the Head of Marketing & Communications, it would also build working relationships with Service Managers, our Chief Services Officer (to a smaller degree), and our Head of Impact & Growth to support them in their respective stakeholder engagement pursuits.

This role is not expected to engage with stakeholders such as the media (undertaken by the Head of Marketing & Communications), clients or participants (undertaken by the Service Managers and their teams), or employees and staff (undertaken by the People & Culture Manager).

Provide strategic advice and regular updates to the LT on external stakeholder relationships.

• Support the CEO, the Office of the CEO, and the LT in engaging and liaising with certain stakeholders.

• Research the profiles, positions and programs of government departments and ministers to inform positive multicultural policy outcomes for the WSRSC.

• Develop advocacy strategies positioning the WSRSC as a leading voice, amplifying key issues in the settlement sector, ensuring multicultural community voices are heard in decision-making processes.

• Undertake government relations through building rapport and strong working relationships with local, State and Federal parliamentarians.

• Monitor and analyse policy and legislative changes that may impact SydWest its constituents.

• Maintain a comprehensive database of contacts within government and Community sectors to enhance networking opportunities.

• Design engagement initiatives that stimulate conversation and coalition amongst the WSRSC's key stakeholders within the settlement sector.

• Prepare and coordinate key engagement opportunities, including meetings, forums and events to facilitate dialogue between SydWest and its stakeholders.

• Design engagement initiatives that stimulate conversation and coalition amongst our key stakeholders in the aged care, disability sector, and general community services sector.

• Drive the stakeholder engagement strategy, working in tandem with the LT, which includes an annual plan of who SydWest needs to engage (considering their importance and influence), how regularly, when and what is the best format for engagement, and ensuring their needs are met.

• Establish stakeholder standards and principles for engagement, including a framework of the guidelines and practices to engaging with and responding to stakeholders.

• Provide updates to senior management on stakeholder relations activities and provide advice on potential risks or opportunities.

• Support the LT, where necessary, with the preparation of reports and presentations to communicate key issues to internal teams and external partners.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

A minimum of 5 years' experience in stakeholder relations, government relations, policy advocacy, public or corporate affairs, or related roles

Previous experience in a similar role within the non-profit sector

Demonstrated ability to engage with senior leaders, government representatives, industry and community groups

Proven track record of successful lobbying or influencing policy decisions to government

Familiarity with local, state, and federal government structures in Australia

Tertiary qualifications in communications, public policy, social impact or related field

Ability to analyse complex information and present it clearly

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Experience working within multicultural communities or organisations

Diverse background in community engagement initiatives or programs

Strong understanding of government policies and legislative processes

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Passion for our mission and commitment to social impact

Inclusive and culturally responsive approach

High emotional intelligence, diplomacy and cultural awareness

Integrity and discretion when handling sensitive matters

Proactive, resilient and solution-focused mindset.

Confident to represent SydWest at various forums and/or public speaking

Ability to negotiate and build consensus internally, as well as between SydWest and other stakeholders

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organisational and project management abilities