Director, Government Relations

The Archdiocese has a senior leadership team that includes the Archbishop, Vicar-General, Clergy, Executive Directors and Directors who oversee its vast work. This work brings the Archdiocese into contact with many areas of public policy areas and government decision-making that have the potential to impact on the Archdiocese’s many stakeholders. These policy areas include, but are not limited to, education, social services, disability support, aged care and end-of-life matters.

The creation of a government relations position will enable the Archdiocese to better liaise with government and public policy figures to ensure that insights gained through our many areas of operation and concern are made available and that the views of our stakeholders are considered.

About the position

The Director of Government Relations is a new role and will help build capacity within the leadership and senior executive team. As an experienced practitioner you will provide strategic, specific and relevant advice to the Archdiocese and develop relationships with key stakeholders in the community. The successful applicant must ensure that the Archdiocese best positions itself to represent its stakeholders in political and public policy interactions. There will be an opportunity for the successful applicant to build a small team to support government relations activities as well as working closely with existing leaders in media, marketing and communication within the Archdiocese

Reporting to the Executive Director of Archdiocesan Services, this role will:

• Develop and implement a government relations strategy for the Archdiocese
• Monitor, research and analyse government, policy and political issues
• Develop and manage relationships with key political and public policy figures
• Provide advice and responses on policy and political issues that affect stakeholders
• Liaise with key people across the Archdiocese to ensure that key bodies are informed and able to respond, where needed, to relevant issues
• Liaise with key people across the Catholic Church in Australia to communicate and implement Archdiocesan strategies within the context of broader church activity
• Coordinate any Archdiocesan interaction on key political and public policy issues
• Assist with submissions to government and work to prepare Archdiocesan representatives for any appearances at parliamentary hearings
• Ensure the Archdiocese implements governance around all political engagement

Required experience and skills

• An understanding and commitment to work within the values of the Catholic Church. We are seeking a compassionate person who sees this role as an opportunity to use their professional skills to support good works in our community.
• Formal tertiary qualifications in a related field
• A minimum of fifteen years’ experience in government, public policy, corporate affairs or a related role
• A thorough understanding of government, public policy and politics within Queensland and Australia.
• The ability to work independently across a large organisation and to ensure key stakeholders clearly understand issues and work towards a common goal
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

This role offers the successful applicant a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and a supportive, family friendly work environment. Please submit a cover letter and CV to the attention of Mary Macuga at macugam@bne.catholic.net.au.

The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for employees and volunteers to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.