Find your home with us

Government Relations and Advocacy Manager

Job description

• Full-time, permanent position
• Based in North Melbourne, with hybrid work options available
• Make a difference in the lives of lost and abandoned animals

About Us

At The Lost Dogs’ Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 22,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse animal welfare and community programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, this newly created leadership role will drive the delivery of The Lost Dogs’ Home government relations and policy agenda and translate organisational strategy into targeted advocacy, campaigns and media communications.

Together with the Communications and Executive Leadership Teams, this role will build connections and trusted relationships with politicians and government departments to influence and legislate animal welfare and deliver impactful advocacy campaigns. This role will also apply strong written and strategic communication capability to priority government funding proposals, grants and tenders that support The Lost Dogs’ Home objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic thinking and public affairs experience to influence policy and change to improve the lives of animals in our community.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Develop and deliver government relations and political engagement strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
• Build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with Ministers, Members of Parliament, advisers, government departments and local government representatives.
• Lead advocacy campaigns that generate stakeholder, community and political support for priority issues.
• Monitor political, legislative and policy developments and provide strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Prepare key messages, speeches, opinion pieces, media materials, stakeholder communications, executive communications and campaign content.
• Identify and pursue government funding opportunities, grants and strategic partnerships and prepare high-quality government grants and tenders.
• Collaborate across communications, fundraising, operations and veterinary teams to ensure advocacy and media efforts are evidence-based, coordinated and impactful.
• Lead and support a small team of two while contributing to the broader Communications & Public Affairs function.

About you

You are an experienced government relations, public affairs or advocacy professional, who has a strong interest in animal welfare and knows how to influence decision-makers through evidence, relationships and strong communication.

In addition, who will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in government relations, public affairs, communications or political engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy or political engagement.
• Strong understanding of Victorian government, parliamentary and policy processes.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with government, political and sector stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives.
• Experience developing and delivering advocacy strategies, campaigns or public affairs initiatives, including policy submissions.
• Experience in preparing grant, tender or government funding proposals is desirable but not essential.
• Strong political judgement, discretion and strategic thinking.
• Leadership capability with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholders.

What you will get in return

• Unique opportunity to use your skills to influence policy and advocate for improved animal welfare outcomes.
• Meaningful career where you can genuinely have a positive impact on the lives on animals.
• Friendly, supportive work environment (surrounded by animals) with hybrid and flexible work arrangements available.
• Access to generous discounts at our private Veterinary Clinic.
• Priority access to our Foster Care program.
• Discounted pet adoption fees.

How to apply

If you are an experienced and dedicated government relations and advocacy professional with a passion for animal welfare and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you attach a current resume and a covering letter outlining the reasons for your interest in and suitability for this role. If you have any questions about this role, please direct them to recruitment@dogshome.com.

Job listing will close on Wednesday 7 October at Midnight. Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early, as the role may close if a suitable candidate is found.

The successful applicant will be required to complete satisfactory background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.