About YouthCARE

YouthCARE is one of Western Australia's largest not-for-profit organisations. YouthCARE aims to create positive school communities, where students are empowered and encouraged to be the best they can be. Each year YouthCARE Chaplains help thousands of students, staff and family members in Western Australian public-school communities by providing an essential social, emotional and mental health support service.

About the role

Reporting to the School Services Manager (SSM), the Government Engagement Lead is responsible for building, developing and maintaining YouthCARE's relationships with government representatives across their region. The focus of this role is government engagement across all three tiers - local, state and federal – building relationships that grow awareness of, support for and investment in YouthCARE's mission.

The role works within the regional direction set by the SSM and the statewide government engagement strategy held by the CEO (state and federal) and the COFS (local government) – translating both into active, trusted regional relationships.

Government Engagement

Leads operate as a statewide functional team, each embedded in a region but collaborating across all regions to share intelligence, approaches and opportunities, and to ensure a consistent, qualified government engagement presence for YouthCARE across Western Australia.

Essential

- Demonstrated experience in government relations, stakeholder management or a closely related field.
- Proven ability to build genuine, trust-based relationships with government representatives across multiple tiers of government.
- Strong understanding of local, state and federal government structures, political processes and the factors that motivate government support for organisations like YouthCARE.




- Demonstrated ability to translate mission and values into compelling, evidence-based narratives for government audiences - communicating the impact of chaplaincy and CVE in language that resonates with all stakeholders and motivates genuine engagement and support.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - including the ability to represent YouthCARE credibly and compellingly in government and civic settings.
- High degree of political awareness and the ability to engage across political lines with consistency, integrity and an apolitical approach.
- Strong organisational and relationship management skills, with the ability to manage a wide portfolio of relationships across the region.
- Alignment with YouthCARE's mission, vision and values, and genuine commitment to the wellbeing of young people and school communities.
- Must be actively engaged in the life of a Christian church that affirms the triune Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Current Working with Children Check and NCCHC clearance, or ability to obtain. • Current valid driver's licence and willingness to travel across the region.

Desirable

- Experience working within or alongside government - including local government, parliamentary offices or government agencies. • Experience in the community services, education or not-for-profit sector.
- Established networks within the regional government or business community.
- Familiarity with YouthCARE's programs, services and government engagement model.
- Qualifications in public policy, community development, communications, management or a related field.

To apply, please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) addressing the selection criteria to [email protected] Applications close on 9th October 2026.

📌 Government Engagement Lead (West Perth)
🏢 Youthcare
📍 West Perth