Join us in our mission to empower people and communities to enrich Western Australia.

If you're passionate about making a difference and enjoy working with diverse communities, we have an exciting opportunity for you. At Volunteering WA, we understand the importance of work-life balance. We offer a hybrid workplace with flexible working hours and five weeks’ annual leave.

About Volunteering WA

Volunteering WA is the peak body for volunteering in Western Australia. We work to strengthen the volunteering sector, advocate for the value of volunteering, and empower people and communities across the State.

Our vision is a society where everyone is inspired to make a difference.

About the role

Bring your passion for volunteering and the community services sector to Volunteering WA.

As Manager Policy, Advocacy & Research, you will make a difference by influencing State and Federal policy settings for volunteering, identifying emerging issues and trends, and undertaking government and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the role works to address Volunteering WA’s strategic priorities in consultation with our member-organisations and the volunteering community.

We invite applications from candidates who want to be part of policy development that leads to real change. You’ll be a great communicator who can develop evidence-based policy that shapes the story of volunteering in Western Australia.

Key responsibilities

- Provide high level policy advice and analysis to the CEO and other stakeholders.

- Develop policy positions to support our strategic priorities in collaboration with stakeholders.

- Collaborate with the CEO to develop an Advocacy plan and a Government Relations plan.

- Respond to inquiries and prepare discussion and position papers as they relate to the volunteering sector.

- Represent Volunteering WA and the volunteering sector on committees.

- Prepare Volunteering WA’s annual State Budget submission and other relevant submissions.

- Prepare pre-election priorities in consultation with members and stakeholders.

- Support the advocacy work of the CEO and other stakeholders.





- Represent Volunteering WA in the national policy group and provide input into national policy submissions.

- Support Volunteering WA’s research committee, network and grants program.

- Drive and manage the WA State of Volunteering Report.

- Establish and maintain relationships with relevant partners and collaborators to facilitate strategic stakeholder engagement.

- Promote and contribute to activities, events, and services of Volunteering WA.

- Undertakes other relevant responsibilities as required.

What we're looking for

- Relevant tertiary qualifications.

- Significant experience in strategic policy and advocacy.

- Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, strategic policy and advocacy.

- Demonstrated strategic stakeholder engagement skills.

- Strong analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills.

- Excellent written skills with strong interpersonal communication skills.

- You are extremely organised with solid attention to detail.

- Energetic and highly motivated with the drive for continuous improvement.

Desirable:

- Demonstrated understanding of the not-for-profit sector and volunteering issues.

- Demonstrated understanding of relevant government policy and regulation.

- Experience working in or with government in relevant policy and advocacy roles.

- Strong research skills.

- Experience working in a membership association.

- Alignment with Volunteering WA’s values – we are inclusive, innovative and operate with integrity.

Importantly:

- This role will require regular travel within the Perth Metro area. A current and valid WA driver’s licence is therefore necessary.

- To ensure the safety of our community members, we require you to obtain a National Police Certificate. Volunteering WA will pay for this application.

What we offer





✔ Flexible and rewarding work environment – Enjoy a flexible workplace where well-being and work–life balance are genuinely valued, a centrally located East Perth office, and a supportive and inclusive team environment.

✔ Attractive salary – Receive a competitive salary, 12% superannuation and salary packaging of up to $18,549 in additional tax-free pay each year.

✔ Additional benefits - Enjoy five weeks’ annual leave, including one week during our Christmas office close-down, plus birthday leave, professional development opportunities and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

✔ Be part of a passionate team – Work alongside like-minded people committed to strengthening Western Australia’s volunteering sector.

✔ Volunteer – Receive up to one week of paid leave each year to support your volunteering, including an all-staff volunteering day.

How to apply

If you are passionate about policy, advocacy and research, and keen to advance the volunteering sector in Western Australia, we would like to hear from you.

The Job Description Form for this role is available on the Volunteering WA website - https://volunteeringwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/JDF_Manager-Policy_Advocacy_Research_Sept26.docx

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria.

Interviews may be conducted throughout the application period. If the position is filled before the closing date, the advertisement will be updated accordingly.

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Monday 12 October 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Tina Williams at ••••@volunteeringwa.org.au

Volunteering WA is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including people with disability, women, young people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Volunteering WA is currently implementing its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

📌 Manager Policy, Advocacy & Research (East Perth)
🏢 Volunteering WA
📍 East Perth