0.8 FTE (30.4 hours/week) | SCHADS Level 7 | Ongoing

Lead SACOSS's advocacy agenda, manage a policy team and influence public policy outcomes across South Australia.

The South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) is the peak body for the non-government health and community services sector in South Australia.

For more than 75 years, we have worked to address poverty, inequality and disadvantage by bringing together the voices of community organisations and the people they support. Through policy development, research, advocacy and collaboration, we influence public policy and champion systemic change that improves the lives of South Australians. SACOSS is widely recognised as a trusted and independent voice on issues including cost of living, housing, energy, consumer protection, community services and social inclusion. We are a small, passionate and highly respected organisation committed to building a fairer South Australia.

About the role

This is a senior leadership role for someone who is passionate about social justice and understands how advocacy, policy and relationships can be used to create meaningful change.

As a member of the SACOSS senior leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping organisational strategy while leading advocacy efforts that influence public policy and drive systemic change. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead SACOSS's advocacy function and manage a team of skilled policy professionals while helping shape the organisation's strategic advocacy agenda.

A key part of the role is supporting and developing the policy team. You will oversee work planning, priorities and performance, helping staff deliver high-quality policy analysis, submissions, advocacy initiatives and stakeholder engagement activities. You will foster a collaborative, supportive and accountable team culture while ensuring our work remains strategic, impactful and evidence-based.





You will also lead the development and implementation of advocacy strategies, identify emerging policy issues and opportunities for influence, and provide strategic advice to the CEO on advocacy priorities and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires a high level of political awareness and relationship management. You will engage with Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior public servants, sector leaders and community stakeholders, representing SACOSS in senior forums, alliances and coalitions to advance social and economic justice in South Australia.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will contribute to organisational planning, prepare strategic briefings and reports for the CEO and Board, oversee advocacy-related resources, and help ensure SACOSS remains a respected and influential voice on issues affecting people experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

About you

You are an experienced leader with strong political and organisational awareness who understands how policy and advocacy can influence decision-making and drive change.

You may come from the community sector, government, a peak body, advocacy organisation, union, research organisation or a related field. Most importantly, you can demonstrate the ability to lead people, build relationships and navigate complex environments to achieve outcomes.

You will bring:

- Experience leading, supporting and developing staff and teams

- Strong advocacy, policy, campaigning, government relations or stakeholder engagement experience





- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships across diverse stakeholders

- Sound political judgement and the ability to identify opportunities to influence decisions and public debate

- Experience managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality work through others

- Solid written and verbal communication skills

- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability

- A commitment to social justice, equity and reducing disadvantage

Experience working within or alongside the community services or social policy sector, and knowledge of South Australia's political landscape, will be highly regarded.

Why join us?

In this role you have the opportunity to:

- Lead a talented policy team

- Influence decisions that affect communities across South Australia

- Build relationships with government and sector leaders

- Contribute to meaningful and lasting social change

- Work in a values-driven organisation committed to social justice

- Enjoy the flexibility of a 0.8 FTE role

Position Details

Pay rate: SCHADS Award Level 7

0.8 FTE (30.4 hrs/week)

Ongoing contract

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights in Australia.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter via SEEK.

For a copy of the Position Description visit www.sacoss.org.au/work-at-sacoss.

Want to know more? Please contact Samantha Siziba via ••••@sacoss.org.au.

Please note: Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date, so we encourage early applications. SACOSS reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a suitable appointment has been made.

SACOSS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

📌 Manager Advocacy (Unley)
🏢 SACOSS
📍 Unley