Policy & Research Officer

**Role**: Policy and Research Officer
**Location**: Flexible location | Hybrid options available
**Employment Type**: Full-time, Permanent
Turn evidence into action - influence national policy, research and advocacy
We're Goodstart - a not-for-profit with a vision for Australia's children to have the best possible start in life.
**Our Role**:
As our Policy and Research Officer, you will report to the Head of Social Policy (National) and play a key role in shaping Goodstart's evidence-based advocacy and influence activities. You will lead and support high-impact initiatives such as policy development and advice research partnerships, and strategic analysis. This role will leverage your strong writing and data analysis skills to inform policy submissions, briefs and discussion papers, helping to reinforce Goodstart's reputation as a trusted voice and partner in early childhood education and care.
**In this role, you will**:
Analyse, interpret and synthesise information and data related to all areas of social policy that impact children and families, with a focus on early childhood education
Draft high-quality policy submissions, discussion papers and responses to government consultation, using your strong writing skills to present evidence-based recommendations on early childhood education, funding, service delivery and reform
Lead the governance of research projects, including reviewing university proposals and coordinating projects in alignment with Goodstart's Research Management Framework
Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, university partners and sector stakeholders, representing Goodstart in relevant forums, meetings and working groups
**What Goodstart can offer you**:
Flexible work arrangements giving you choice about when and how work will be done in order to better manage your work and non-work needs
Not-For-Profit Salary Packaging benefits which reduce your taxable income to increase take home pay
Access to discounted childcare (up to 15%)
Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price
Discounted health care and access to employee wellbeing program with BUPA
Exclusive discounts on travel, gym memberships, Apple and Dell products, and more.
Free annual flu shot (optional)
Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance
First Nations Support and Cultural Leave
Work for a company that has an aspiration to be globally recognised for early years practice and learning outcomes
Gain significant investment in your growth and development with support, tools, training and experiences that will truly enhance the progress and outcomes for children in their earliest years.
**You'll bring**:
Tertiary qualifications in social policy, public policy or a related field
Minimum 3 years' experience in strategic, policy development, government relations, consulting, or research environments
Demonstrated experience in leading project management or governance, especially in research or policy initiatives
Exceptional written communication skills, with proven experience preparing high-quality policy papers, submissions or advocacy materials
Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
Excellent research and data analysis skills (tools like Power BI or similar are highly regarded) to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights
Understanding of the social and political landscape affecting ECEC at the national level
(Desirable) Experience working in or with government agencies or a university context
Valid Working with Children Check and National Police Check
How to apply
Supporting our people and protecting our children
We're an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We're also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.