Senior Policy Officer

Join a purpose-driven team at the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) as a passionate and committed Senior Policy Officer, where your work will help shape lasting social impact.

Location: Fitzroy 

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time working 38 hours per week

Salary:$109,846.69 - $114,695.78 + Superannuation in accordance with applicable legislation 

What we offer our employees:

• Salary packaging options to improve your take home pay – up to $18,500 can be packaged every year (details via AccessPay)!
• Career development opportunities
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted health insurance and free flu shots each year

About the role:

The Senior Policy Officer will drive a strategic policy and advocacy agenda in employment, education and training with passion and purpose, working to shift conditions so that human service systems can better support and build everyone’s capabilities to thrive.

• Lead Strategic Policy & Advocacy: Drive systemic change in employment, education and training systems to support capability-building and inclusion.
• Bridge Research, Policy & Practice: Translate research and front-line insights into impactful policy action within a cross-functional team.
• Focus on Youth Employment & Systems Reform: Advance policy and reform efforts, especially through initiatives like the National Youth Employment Body (NYEB).
• Develop Policy Outputs & Influence: Produce briefings, papers, and frameworks that shape BSL’s agenda and engage government stakeholders.
• Collaborative, Cross-Sector Approach: Work closely across BSL teams and sectors to influence skills, training, employment, and social infrastructure policy.

About Brotherhood of St Laurence:

We are passionate about the work we do. We strive to create change that lasts for a more compassionate and just society - a society in which we can all fully participate in social, civic and economic life with the dignity and respect we all deserve.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) has a clear vision – an Australia free of poverty. For over 90 years, we have worked with policy makers and the community for systemic change that will prevent and alleviate poverty in Australia. We are made up of 1500+ employees and 1000+ volunteers to make a difference in our communities.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who has a passion for supporting the mission of BSL and delivering excellence in your role.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who has the following key skills and experiences:

• Qualified and Experienced Professional: Holds a relevant postgraduate qualification with over 5 years' experience in research, policy, and advocacy, or equivalent education and experience.

• Extensive Policy & Advocacy Expertise: Strong knowledge of employment, education, training and human services, with demonstrated success in policy development, analysis, and influencing government decision-makers.

• Research & Sector Insight: Solid understanding of social research methods, ethical standards, and current issues in policy, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders and working within government systems.

• Excellent Communication & Project Management Skills: Strong writing, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex workloads, build relationships, and contribute to inclusive and culturally safe environments.

If this sounds like the right fit for you:

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and looking to contribute to our organisation’s success, we’d love to hear from you.

Click APPLY NOW!

When completing your application, please upload each document as a separate attachment.

Your application must include:

• A tailored cover letter,
• A current resume showcasing demonstrated skills and experiences, and
• A 2-page (maximum) written response addressing the Key Selection Criteria found in the Position Description. (optional)

Applications will be considered upon submission, so we encourage you to apply early.

To review the Position Description and to address the Key Selection Criteria, please click here. 

If you have any questions about the role, or want more clarification, please contact Kira Clarke at kira.clarke@bsl.org.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications close: Monday 21st of July 2025 at 11:55pm 

We are an EEO and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect.  We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

BSL is a child-safe organisation. BSL has zero tolerance to any form of abuse or harm to vulnerable people and is committed to specifically protecting children from harm. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal history and working with children. Recruitment decisions are based on the key inherent needs and requirements of each role, and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and characteristics.  Applicants must have proof of working rights in Australia.