Senior Grants and Advocacy Officer

Requisition Number: 1327

Salary Range: $102,167.42 - $110,382.66 per annum

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Wednesday, 30th September 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for public policy, government relations and securing funding opportunities that make a real difference?

We're seeking a highly motivated Senior Grants and Advocacy Officer to play a pivotal role in shaping Council's advocacy agenda and maximising grant funding opportunities that support our community's future.

What we’re looking for:

- Tertiary qualifications in Government Relations, Project Management, Communication, Business Management, or relevant senior-level experience.
- Demonstrated project management skills in corporate or government settings.
- Understanding of Government grant/subsidy programs and associated key requirements.
- Track record in preparing high-quality policy submissions and grant/subsidy applications.
- Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders.
- Attention to detail, organisational skills, and capability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated skills in organisation, time management, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship management, particularly with senior stakeholders.

What you’ll be doing:

- Coordinate Council's incoming grant application process in accordance with the Grants Policy and associated procedures.
- Monitor and communicate information on external grant funding opportunities to relevant Council officers.




- Analyse emerging policy issues at State and Federal Government levels to inform Council’s strategic advocacy priorities.
- Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy submissions, briefing notes, and reports for Council’s advocacy priorities.
- Stay informed about economic trends that may impact political decisions at State and Federal Government levels, advising senior stakeholders accordingly.
- Manage Council's process for project selection in grant applications, considering alignment with eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, and budgetary constraints.
- Coordinate stakeholder support and evidence, including securing letters of support from local members of Parliament and relevant organisations.
- Facilitate debriefs with government representatives for all grant/subsidy programs to understand reasons for success/failure and identify areas for improvement.

Some perks we offer:

- Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
- Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
- Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
- Up to 3 weeks personal leave
- Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
- Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
- Salary sacrifice opportunities
- Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

- Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
- Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

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📌 Senior Grants and Advocacy Officer (Cairns Regional)
🏢 Cairns Regional Council
📍 Cairns Regional