Chief of Staff

Applications are invited for the full-time ongoing position of Chief of Staff for Allegra Spender MP. The position is based in the Member's Electorate Office in Edgecliff, NSW, with regular travel to Canberra.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join Allegra's dynamic and collegiate team at the forefront of driving a new way of doing politics in Australia. The Chief of Staff is the MP's most senior adviser, with responsibility for the management of the MP's team and for driving the strategic direction of the MP's office.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with the skills, experience, and desire to play a senior role in Australian politics. Strong values-alignment with the MP is essential.

The key responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

Support the development, delivery, and implementation of Team Allegra's overall strategy – including managing and tracking implementation of strategic initiatives. Help ensure the team executes major projects – including the infrastructure, research, and relationships necessary to support these.

Policy and Parliamentary Affairs

Lead on key national policy areas – including by advising the Member on policy development, legislation, amendments, negotiations, and speeches. Manage policy stakeholders and ensure the Electorate Office team are updated on key developments. Ensure alignment across the office on policy direction and messaging.

The Chief of Staff is expected to travel with the Member and to Canberra for parliamentary sitting weeks (approx per year).

Communications and Media

Guide the team's overall communications strategy – working with Media Adviser and Digital Media Adviser. Support the MP's preparation for national media appearances, interviews, and engagement. Oversee Team Allegra's paid media program and ensure consistent, strategic messaging across platforms and audiences.

Team and Office Management

Foster a collaborative working environment across the Electorate and Parliamentary Offices. Coordinate meetings, support team performance management, and contribute to recruitment and HR decisions. Work with MP, Media Adviser, and Strategic Projects Adviser to line-manage team members and maintain a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Community Engagement and Local Projects

Input into the planning and delivery of the community engagement strategy. Provide high-level oversight of events, surveys, and volunteer engagement, ensuring projects align with national and local priorities and strengthen community relationships.

Representation and Stakeholder Relations

Represent the Member at meetings and events, building strong ties with key stakeholders in government, Parliament, and civil society. Ensure external engagements support strategic objectives and enhance the MP's influence and effectiveness.

The ideal applicant should possess the following skills, and experience:

• A background in business, top-tier consultancy, policy, politics or media.

• Team leadership and project management experience.

• Ability to make thoughtful judgements in complex situations, build trust, and have sufficient flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.

• Interpersonal and relationship management skills – and the ability to drive a positive culture within the team.

• Capacity to be proactive, meet deadlines, work under pressure and maintain the highest ethical standards.

Employment conditions:

The position is offered under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement which include:

• A commencing salary between $109,788 and $154,780 – plus an optional allowance of up to $34,223 – will be negotiated depending on experience. The total salary plus allowances for this role is therefore up to $182,084.

• Relocation assistance, studies assistance and paid study leave may also be available (subject to eligibility requirements).

• An employer superannuation contribution of 15.4% will be payable.

A probationary period of three months will apply and may be subject to extension. The successful applicant will be required to comply with the Behaviour Standards and Code and may be required to undergo a National Police History check.

Applications should be forwarded to and include a covering letter addressing your interest in the position and your key skills and experience, and a CV with the names of two referees.

Applications close on 29 August 2025 and will be assessed as they come in. Please put your application in as soon as possible.

Applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged. For further information on the nature of the role, contact