Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs

Public Relations & Corporate Affairs (Marketing & Communications)
Full time
Are you ready to drive impactful change in Australia's planning and built environment? Join PIA as our new Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs! We're on the hunt for an experienced, strategic, and dynamic individual to lead our advocacy efforts and influence critical national issues like housing, climate action, and urban policy.
About the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the national body representing planning professionals in Australia. PIA promotes excellence in planning and our mission is to inspire planners and elevate their role in shaping Australia's future. PIA does this through championing the value of planners, leading the profession, strong advocacy and contemporary education.
Position Overview:

The Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs is a new role that is responsible for leading, developing and coordinating strategic advocacy initiatives and communicating advocacy outcomes. This role is pivotal in advancing PIA's influence on policy and legislative matters at national and state levels. The Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs is also responsible for leading PIA's Policy and Advocacy team, a small team focused on giving our members an influential voice and advocating in the public interest.
Participation in some meetings outside of business hours, as well as occasional travel, will be required as part of this role.
This role is ideally based in Canberra or Sydney - but other locations will also be considered for the right candidate!
Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy and Government Relations
Lead implementation of PIA's Advocacy Framework, our strategic approach to delivering impactful advocacy outcomes.
Develop and implement Advocacy Plans for national advocacy priorities, including housing, climate action and planning as a career choice.
Provide strategic leadership in identifying and prioritising key policy issues and opportunities for PIA to influence planning-related legislation and policy at all levels of government.
Support Divisions to progress national advocacy priorities within their state or territory and provide advice and leadership in best practice advocacy for State Managers and volunteers.
Work closely with State Managers to support Division Presidents and Policy and Advocacy Chairs with training, tools and resources to execute effective advocacy efforts.
Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with federal government Ministers and advisors, officials, policy makers, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
Represent PIA in meetings, conferences, and public forums, effectively communicating the organisation's position on planning matters.
Support State Managers to build effective stakeholder relationships with state government Ministers and advisors and senior officials.
Public Affairs and Communication
Develop key message documents and advocacy materials that support PIA's advocacy goals.
Work with the National Marketing and Brand Manager in the development and execution of advocacy communications, including media relations and social media engagement.
Prepare or contribute to speeches, presentations, and written communications for PIA's CEO and President, as well as other key personnel.
Policy Analysis and Research
Working closely with the National Director of Policy, monitor and analyse relevant policy developments and legislative changes affecting the planning profession, and identify key emerging issues.
Lead PIA's Policy and Advocacy team to produce policy briefs, position papers, and submissions to government consultations that reflect PIA's views and expertise.
Work with the National Director of Policy to coordinate working groups and members to execute agreed advocacy and policy projects.
Leadership and Team Management
Manage and mentor a small team of advocacy and policy professionals and foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within the team.
Work as part of PIA's National Management Team.
Support State Managers in the development and delivery of advocacy within state and territory Divisions.
Convene the wider Policy and Advocacy Community of Practice within PIA to share best practices and ideas across the broader network of staff working within the organisation on policy and advocacy activities at the Division level.
Collaboration with PIA Members and Volunteers
Work closely with PIA's National Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Engage with PIA's members to gather insights, feedback, and support for advocacy initiatives.
Coordinate member-driven advocacy efforts and ensure member voices are represented in PIA's advocacy activities.
Work closely with PIA's Planning with Country Knowledge Circle to advance Country-centred planning.
Work closely with PIA's PlanTech Reference Group to help prepare the planning profession for digital transformation.
Strategic Partnerships
Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic partnerships and alliances with like-minded organisations.
Collaborate with external experts, think tanks, and advocacy groups to amplify PIA's influence.
Key Selection Criteria
Qualifications and Experience:

Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, urban planning, communications, or a related field.
Extensive experience in advocacy, Public Affairs, or government relations, preferably within a Ministerial office, professional association, NGO, or public sector.
Proven track record in developing and implementing successful advocacy and Public Affairs strategies, preferably with experience in media engagement and strategy.
Skills and Attributes:

Strong understanding of the Australian political landscape, public policy processes, and planning / built environment policy issues.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to build and maintain high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop a team.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse complex issues and policy, to develop cut-through advocacy positions and messages.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to PIA's mission and values.
Experience in the planning profession or the wider built environment field.
Working for PIA includes some great benefits, including a supportive team culture and a strong focus on work-life balance. Other benefits of this role include:

Impactful work:

You will help lead public interest advocacy to help address critical national issues including housing, climate action, infrastructure and urban policy, helping to shape Australia's future.
Supportive team environment :
Join a collaborative and passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact, with a strong focus on shared success.
Flexibility :
Enjoy flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home and from our offices in Barton (ACT) or Surry Hills (NSW).
Well-being support :
Access our Employee Assistance Program for confidential support and resources to maintain your health and well-being.
Professional growth :
Build high-level networks and grow your expertise in advocacy and leadership while advancing the planning profession.
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