Head of Government Relations & Special Projects at Children's Ground

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

25 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Government Relations, Strategic Initiatives, Stakeholder Management, Policy Reform, Advocacy, Grant Writing, Project Management, Relationship Building, Cultural Humility, Communication, Reporting, CRM Systems, Election Strategy, Evidence-Informed Advocacy, Systems Change

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

About the Role The Head of Government Relations & Special Projects is a senior role responsible for leading Children’s Ground’s government relations portfolio and contributing to organisation‑wide strategic initiatives and special projects. Bringing strong values‑based acumen, you will work closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO to build and steward relationships across Federal Government, Federal Parliament and Northern Territory Government, ensuring First Nations leadership and voice are central to all engagement. You will collaborate closely with First Nations leaders, the Policy, Impact & Communications (PIC) team, and the Director of Research & Evaluation to: shape government engagement strategy develop compelling funding submissions and reporting support policy reform and systems change strengthen Children’s Ground’s evidence‑informed advocacy This role plays a critical part in securing and sustaining funding, influencing public policy, and advancing national reform aligned with the Children’s Ground Approach. Key Responsibilities Government Relations Lead the development and implementation of Children’s Ground’s government relations strategy, including an engagement policy Ensure First Nations priorities and leadership are central to all government engagement Build and maintain strategic relationships across Federal and State/Territory governments, including ministerial offices, departments, parliamentary committees, cross‑bench, Opposition and minor parties Manage advocacy activities including meetings, briefings and political engagement Work with the Strategic Leadership Team to build advocacy capability and ensure consistent messaging aligned with the Children’s Ground Strategic Plan Ensure all government engagement is accurately recorded in the Client Resource Management (CRM) system Work with the CEO to develop election strategies and campaign priorities Project manage election campaigns Prepare position papers and pre‑election briefs Coordinate meetings with ministers and departments Brief the Chair, CEO and senior First Nations staff and support preparation for meetings Represent Children’s Ground in meetings as requested Grant Funding With the CEO and Deputy CEO, negotiate continuation of key government contracts and pursue new funding opportunities Work with the PIC team to prepare, monitor and oversee government grant submissions Support high‑quality, compliant reporting and acquittals Advise on organisational processes and efficiencies to strengthen funding practice and compliance Systems Change & Public Policy Work with senior leadership and Research & Evaluation to translate evidence into policy influence and funding strategy Provide leadership on policy reform opportunities aligned with the Children’s Ground Approach Support development of submissions, policy papers and reports Provide oversight of organisational submissions and formal reporting Special Projects Support special projects as required to advance the strategic vision and priorities of Children’s Ground Contribute to Children’s Ground Be an active, values‑aligned member of the Children’s Ground team Support a strong, respectful and connected organisational culture Engage with local languages by learning basic words and phrases for use in respectful interactions Working Environment Children’s Ground works in deep partnership with First Nations communities and within complex systems change contexts. This work is meaningful and relational, and also requires flexibility, patience and cultural humility. Team members must be comfortable working in adaptive environments where timelines may be influenced by cultural protocols, community priorities and complex service systems. Selection Criteria Essential Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills Strong organisational and project management capability, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines Demonstrated experience working within complex systems change environments Ability to work respectfully within First Nations contexts, with cultural humility and adaptability Resilience and comfort working with ambiguity and shifting priorities Experience using CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office 365 Willingness to undergo a National Police Check and Working With Children Check Desirable Experience working alongside First Nations colleagues and communities Strong understanding of First Nations cultures, histories and lived experience Experience working in a social change or advocacy‑focused NGO We invite you to walk with us on this unique journey… Benefits include an attractive remuneration package including excellent tax benefits six weeks leave (4 weeks annual leave + 2 weeks bonus leave). If this sounds like the role for you please apply via Work with us - Children's Ground by including your resume and a cover letter. Applications will close on Wednesday the 8th April 2026. In line with our workforce development strategy, Children's Ground strongly encourages and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.

Responsibilities

This senior role leads the organization's government relations portfolio, focusing on building and stewarding relationships across Federal, Northern Territory, and State/Territory governments while ensuring First Nations leadership is central to engagement. Key duties include developing engagement strategy, securing funding through compelling submissions, and supporting policy reform and systems change.