Senior Advisor Strategic Policy

• 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

About The Healing Foundation

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation is a national organisation that elevates the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families, and their communities.

We work closely with survivors and communities to create environments for survivors to tell their stories and drive their healing. We are committed to the recognition of the Bringing them home report and the realisation of the rights outlined in the report for Stolen Generations and descendants.

We are governed by a Board of First Nations Directors, a Stolen Generations Reference Group, a Youth Reference Group and are led by a First Nations Executive. With our work informed by the Stolen Generations sector – organisations that provide direct support to Stolen Generations survivors in communities across the country.

About the Role:

This role is responsible for leading the development and implementation of policy initiatives relating to supports for Stolen Generations survivors, descendants and organisations. The successful candidate will provide expert policy advice and produce resources to support advocacy and policy change, including initiating and managing research initiatives. You’ll be required to manage relationships with key stakeholders including government and community controlled organisations, and advise the Executive and Board on strategic opportunities. This role requires excellent communication, including high level written skills, policy analysis and written skills. The role will be responsible for promoting culturally centred ways of working, including promoting participatory design and embedding cultural governance throughout the way we work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead projects on key policy and research areas drawn from The Healing Foundation policy priorities. Including planning, coordination, advice, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities for policy reform to improve outcomes for Stolen Generations survivors and descendants.
• Develop high-quality policy resources, including briefings and reports.
• Deliver clear, persuasive written and verbal communication, simplifying complex information for a range of audiences.
• Prepare and manage RFQs and contracts for policy and research initiatives.
• Engage and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, government and non-government bodies.
• Support The Healing Foundation priorities through collaboration across teams, and supervision and coaching of others.

Experience, skills and attributes:

• Proven experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in delivering policy advice, projects, or research for impact.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to social justice and a commitment to the work of The Healing Foundation.
• Outcome-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt content for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in procurement and contract management, including ensuring compliance.
• Ability to supervise and mentor team members in policy development and analysis.
• Demonstrates positive team culture and supports culturally centred ways of working.

Highly desired

Qualifications in law, social justice, community development, policy and social sciences or a related field.

What we can offer you:

• Family Friendly Accredited Organisation
• Salary packaging
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Working arrangements
• Career development support
• Wellbeing and Additional Paid Leave Benefits

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by the closing date.

Working With Vulnerable People check, and Covid-19 A valid Drivers License, Working With Vulnerable People check, and Covid-19 vaccination are mandatory requirements.

The Healing Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer, we encourage and prioritise applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We are committed to ensuring all individuals are treated with dignity, regardless of cultural background, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or spiritual beliefs.