Program Director, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

ABOUT THE LOWY INSTITUTE

The Lowy Institute is Australia's leading international policy think tank. It is independent, non-partisan and at the centre of Australia's foreign policy and national security debates. Located in Sydney, the Institute produces world-class research and provides distinctive perspectives on the trends shaping Australia and the world, aiming to give Australia a greater voice on the international stage.

The Lowy Institute hosts distinguished Australian and international speakers on foreign policy, defence, politics, aid, and development. With a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the Institute's research, events, and conferences attract significant global attention, and our experts produce commentary for the world's leading news outlets.

The Lowy Institute is seeking a
Program Director
to lead the
Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program
.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Program Director will oversee the annual Lowy Institute Poll. This is a rare opportunity to work on the Institute's flagship and longest running publication, which has been tracking Australian views of foreign policy for more than two decades.

The Lowy Institute Poll sets the agenda in the Australian foreign policy debate by surveying the public on a broad range of questions and challenges that face Australia, including China, the United States, defence spending, climate change, immigration, democracy and the Pacific. It is the leading foreign policy survey in Australia, and is an essential resource for government ministers, senior officials, academics and journalists, domestically and internationally.

The Institute's Public Opinion Program also provides the opportunity and platform to conduct other research in foreign policy, depending on the expertise of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate will be expected to drive the research agenda for the Institute's Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program and to produce regular analysis and commentary on key policy issues.

In addition to producing the Lowy Institute Poll, the researcher will be expected to undertake their own independent research and coordinate external research expertise, including the Global Diplomacy Index. In addition to producing original research, the role includes managing a program of events and conducting outreach activities. The researcher will liaise with a range of stakeholders, including government, media and the corporate sector. Travel for research, events and stakeholder engagement will also be involved.

ABOUT YOU

The candidate should have a strong awareness of Australian foreign policy and regional/global politics, be data literate and possess the capacity to produce original research, insights and policy ideas.

Candidates will need to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in academia, think tanks, journalism or policymaking. Candidates should be dynamic and self-starting individuals with excellent analytical and communications skills and confident presentation. They should be clear and expressive writers, with strong interpersonal skills, exceptional organisational skills and significant project management experience. Knowledge and familiarity with survey data, statistical analysis or polling would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will join the organisation at a level commensurate with experience, and with salary and benefits set accordingly.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a copy of your CV and cover letter to
by 7 December 2025.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

For additional information regarding the role, please contact Lowy Institute recruitment via the email above.