Director, Employment, Skills and Small Business

Lead National Policy | Shape Advocacy | Represent Australian Business

About Us

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is Australia’s largest and most representative business association, comprising state and territory chambers of commerce and national industry associations. We speak on behalf of the Australian business community at home and abroad.

We represent more than 300,000 businesses of all sizes, across all industries and all parts of the country. Our vision is to make Australia the best place in the world to do business—so Australians have the jobs, living standards and opportunities to which they aspire.

About the Role

This senior policy leadership role is responsible for ACCI’s policy development and advocacy across employment and skills, including vocational education and training and migration, as well as key priorities affecting small business and tourism.

Reporting to the Chief of Policy and Advocacy, you will analyse complex public policy issues, develop influential written material and represent ACCI’s positions with government, members and the broader business community. You will oversee secretariat support for the Employment and Skills Policy Committee, Australian Chamber Tourism and the Small Business Committee.

You will also represent ACCI on important external advisory boards and committees. Current appointments include the Jobs and Skills Australia Advisory Board, the Manufacturing Skills Australia Board and the ATO Small Business Stewardship Group.

The role currently has two direct report and works closely with colleagues across ACCI’s policy and advocacy functions.

Key responsibilities include:

Policy Development and Advocacy

Research and analyse complex public policy issues, including evaluating relevant data and evidence.

Prepare high-quality submissions, briefings, policy papers, media releases, articles and other written material.

Communicate ACCI policy positions independently or as part of a team in meetings with members, policymakers and other stakeholders.





Monitor relevant policy developments and identify emerging opportunities and issues for ACCI’s advocacy agenda.

Provide thought leadership across employment, skills, vocational education and training, migration, small business and tourism policy.

Stakeholder and Committee Leadership

Develop and maintain trusted networks with ACCI members, policymakers, government representatives and other relevant stakeholders.

Represent ACCI on key external advisory boards, committees and forums.

Oversee secretariat functions for relevant ACCI policy committees, principally the Employment and Skills Policy Committee, Australian Chamber Tourism and the Small Business Committee.

Support effective member meetings, including preparing agendas, briefings, papers and follow-up actions.

Support and contribute to ACCI’s Women in Small Business Future Makers Program, strengthening the participation, capability and success of women in small business while advancing ACCI’s strategic objectives for economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Leadership and Collaboration

Lead and support the performance and development of the role’s direct report.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across ACCI and contribute to shared policy and organisational priorities.

Provide other support to the policy unit and undertake general work as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief of Policy and Advocacy.

This is an opportunity to shape nationally significant policy, influence decision-makers and champion practical outcomes for Australian employers, workers and small businesses.

The Successful Applicant

You are a strategic and influential policy skilled who combines rigorous analysis with clear communication, sound political judgement and a strong understanding of the business environment.



You are comfortable moving between detailed policy work, public advocacy, stakeholder engagement and team leadership.

You will bring:

Demonstrated ability to research and analyse complex public policy issues, interpret statistical information and assess relevant evidence.

Exceptional written communication skills, with experience preparing submissions, briefings, policy papers, media releases and other material to a high standard.

Confidence and credibility in advocating policy positions to diverse audiences, including members, external stakeholders, government and the public.

Strong networking, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Proven ability to think strategically, identify opportunities and deliver impact.

Knowledge of parliamentary, political, legislative and regulatory processes, together with an understanding of key influencers in relevant portfolio areas.

The capacity to work cooperatively in a small team, exercise initiative and provide effective people leadership.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under time pressure in a dynamic environment.

Relevant graduate or postgraduate tertiary qualifications.

A practical understanding of, and empathy for, the role of business and the issues facing employers.

Experience across employment, skills, vocational education and training, migration, small business or tourism policy will be highly regarded.

What’s on Offer

A senior role shaping ACCI’s national policy and advocacy agenda across employment, skills, migration, small business and tourism.

The opportunity to represent Australia’s largest and most representative business association with senior government, industry and community stakeholders.

Influential appointments on nationally significant advisory boards, committees and forums.

Responsibility for leading committee engagement, developing policy positions and supporting a talented policy team.

A collaborative, high-performing working environment based in Canberra, with infrequent travel as required.

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📌 Director, Employment, Skills and Small Business (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
📍 Canberra