Head of Government Relations at SOH Career Site

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 Sep, 26

Salary

170596.0

Posted On

05 Jun, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Government Relations Strategy, Strategic Advocacy, Intergovernmental Engagement, Cultural Policy, Stakeholder Management, Budget Bids, Grant Applications, Ministerial Briefing, Public Policy, Strategic Leadership, Government Reporting, Executive Counsel

Industry

Performing Arts

Description

Job Status: Full Time Salary: Base salary of $170,596 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions Applications Close: Friday 26 June 2026 Role Enquires: recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com [recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com] Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions [https://soh-hr.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hr/Sydney Opera House Job Application FAQs.pdf] An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected. THE HOUSE The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community. The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2026, our ambition is to be Everyone’s House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care): * Everyone feels welcome here. * We better understand and connect with the community. * We are future ready. * We lead and inspire positive change. For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website [https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAtouOBhA6EiwA2nLKHwk-HcPJYkL3rC8LlR2GLMR5pMl07v_0lEH8P9FBq2PYC2d5JVbDrhoCMWYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds]. YOUR NEW ROLE This role is responsible for strategic leadership for the Opera House’s government relations, strategic advocacy and intergovernmental engagement functions. The role is responsible for shaping and advancing the Opera House’s strategic positioning across all levels of government, strengthening the organisation’s influence within the cultural, economic and public policy landscape, and securing long-term government support and investment. Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description. [https://soh-hr.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hr/2026-5 Head of Govt Relations.pdf] ARE YOU THE ONE? Key Responsibilities/skills: * Lead the development and delivery of the Opera House’s government relations strategy, building strong partnerships across Local, State and Federal Government. * Represent the organisation at senior government and industry forums, shaping cultural policy and influencing decision-making. * Drive strategic, organisation-wide initiatives on government policy, regulation and emerging sector issues to achieve business outcomes. * Develop and execute government funding, investment and partnership strategies, including State Budget bids and grant applications. * Oversee high-quality submissions, briefings and responses to government enquiries and policy initiatives. * Ensure timely, accurate government reporting and documentation, including ministerial briefs and key corporate plans. * Build and manage strategic stakeholder relationships to strengthen the Opera House’s profile and influence. * Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on government relations and policy matters. THE PERKS The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including: * 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden. * 5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff. * Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance. * Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives. * Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more. * Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives. * Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. * Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/our-story/global-goals.html] and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future for us all. * Complimentary tickets to shows. * And many more! EQUITY AND INCLUSION The Opera House is an inclusive employer that recognises everyone is unique. The organisation welcomes you for who you are – as you are. So if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact us as recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com [recruitment@sydneyoperahouse.com] to discuss. Even if you think you’d be a great fit, but don’t necessarily tick every box in the role description, please get in touch. We welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, recognising the value, unique skills and knowledge that First Nations employees bring to the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders, people who are d/Deaf and/or with disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, neurodiverse, refugees and the LGBTQIA+ community. NEED TO WORK FLEXIBLY? We know flexibility means different things to different people, so let us know how we can support you to be your best. SOUND LIKE YOU? APPLY NOW Please submit your cover letter and CV via our online portal. In addition you will be prompted to answer the two following targeted questions in the online application platform. Please note 2000 character limit. 1. Describe a time when you successfully influenced a policy outcome or strategic Government decision-making? 2. Describe a complex Government priority or policy that you have implemented within an organisation, involving multiple stakeholders and agendas. To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment. The assessment seeks information only relevant to performing the inherent requirements of the job, it remains strictly confidential and applicants will be informed of the result. A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months. Your personal information is being collected to enable the Sydney Opera House to assess your suitability for appointment to the position you have applied for. This personal information will be managed in accordance with the Sydney Opera House Privacy Management Policy and Plan [https://sydneyoperahouse.api.collaboro.com/direct?Guid=a1f266b4-ae36-4902-a745-81cd751cd449]. Applications will not be accepted from recruitment agencies.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic leadership of government relations, advocacy, and intergovernmental engagement to advance the Opera House's positioning. Secure long-term government support and investment while influencing cultural and public policy landscapes.