Australian Local Government Association | National advocacy, governance and strategic influence

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is seeking a politically astute, forward-thinking and highly collaborative Head of Advocacy and Governance to help shape and drive the national voice of local government.

ALGA is the national advocacy body for local government, representing 538 councils through state and territory local government associations. As the peak body for the sector, ALGA advocates to the Australian Government, Opposition, crossbench, ministerial councils and national policy forums to secure better outcomes, funding and recognition for local government and the communities councils serve.

Reporting to the CEO, this senior executive role will lead ALGA's advocacy strategy, strengthen governance processes and ensure the organisation is well positioned to respond to emerging political, policy and funding opportunities. The role requires someone who can think ahead, connect policy priorities to political timing, and ensure ALGA is ready to act when opportunities arise.

This is a role for a strategic leader who can look three months, six months and twelve months ahead, understanding when Board endorsement is required, when policy positions need to be shaped, and when campaigns, submissions or engagement strategies need to be ready to go.

Key areas of focus will include:

- Leading the development and delivery of ALGA's national advocacy strategy, aligned to Board direction and member priorities.
- Building trusted relationships with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, crossbenchers, parliamentary staff, government departments, member associations and strategic partners.
- Translating policy work into clear, compelling and timely advocacy, campaigns, submissions, briefings and public-facing engagement.




- Supporting the CEO and Board with strategic advice, governance oversight, risk reporting, reputational insights and explicit decision-making pathways.
- Driving organisational deadlines and ensuring advocacy, communications, events, governance and policy activity are connected, coordinated and purposeful.
- Leading and supporting a collaborative team across advocacy, media, communications, strategic engagement and events.

The successful candidate will bring a solid understanding of the political environment and the ability to anticipate where policy, advocacy and campaign opportunities may land. You will be confident working in complex stakeholder environments, able to assess incoming work, make sound executive decisions, and guide priorities with an organisational lens.

You will also bring strong governance discipline, with the ability to support transparent and effective Board processes, prepare high-quality briefings and reporting, and ensure risk, brand, reputation and member value are clearly understood.

As a people leader, you will be respectful, collaborative and purposeful. You will work closely with the policy team, media and communications, events and governance functions, acting as the "glue" across the organisation. You will shine a light on the strong policy work being done internally and ensure it is translated into advocacy that is timely, influential and impactful.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a contemporary advocacy and governance leader who can influence at the highest levels, manage complexity, support strong governance and help position ALGA as a trusted and effective national voice for local government. Canberra-based candidates will be strongly regarded give the importance of regular engagement with Ministerial and political offices, Commonwealth departments and key stakeholders.

Applications close: - Sunday 16th August 2026

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📌 Head of Advocacy and Governance (Canberra)
🏢 @
📍 Canberra