Advocacy Advisor

• Play a pivotal role in shaping Australia's heart health future
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity | NFP Salary Packaging
• Work from home on Fridays

About Us

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and every day, 50 people in Australia lose their lives to heart disease. As Australia's leading heart health charity, the Heart Foundation's mission is to change this and make heart health achievable for everyone.

About the Role

We are looking for a politically astute professional with experience in government, advocacy or public affairs to join our Public and Local Affairs team. Based in Canberra, this new role will support the Head of Advocacy to drive heart health campaigns across all levels of government.

You will have a strong understanding of the Australian political landscape, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to build influential relationships. You will be a confident communicator who is just as comfortable in Parliament House as at a community forum, and you will have a talent for turning complex policy into clear and motivating messages that inspire action.

You will have the opportunity to work flexibly, blending your time between home and our Canberra office.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Head of Advocacy, implement the Heart Foundation's advocacy agenda at national, state and local levels, and support the development of a comprehensive advocacy strategy in areas of strategic priority to the organisation.
• Establish and build relationships with key state and federal politicians, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to influence government to make policy, legislative and/or funding decisions that will improve cardiovascular health
• Develop strategic alliances with other organisations and stakeholders to advance policy issues of mutual interest.
• Conduct professional activities in accordance with organisational values, engage with communities and volunteers and uphold our commitments to diversity and inclusion.

About you

• At least 3 years advocacy or campaign experience, ideally in public health, not-for-profit, or political settings using smart strategy to drive change and achieve advocacy outcomes.
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the demonstrated ability to design and execute issue-based advocacy campaigns that cut through, shift thinking, and shape policy outcomes.
• Event management know-how, with the ability to deliver polished and persuasive events that influence key decision-makers.
• A track record of building and maintaining relationships and trusted networks of stakeholders across the political spectrum, including Ministers, Shadow Ministers, public servants, and key influential leaders.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with demonstrated experience producing speeches, media releases, policy submissions, talking points, and stakeholder briefings.
• Ability to adapt and respond to emerging opportunities, able to pivot strategies as circumstances change, and act quickly in response to changing circumstances.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, able to work across Heart Foundation teams, as well as with key external partners and stakeholders to align advocacy efforts and achieve shared goals.
• Passionate about improving heart health for all, regardless of background, location or economic circumstances.

Why join the Heart Foundation

At our heart, we are driven by purpose. Every day, we make a meaningful impact through our work, and we are committed to supporting our employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse, safe, and inclusive workplace. We actively seek to represent the communities we serve and recognise the invaluable skills, knowledge, and perspectives a diverse team brings. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals from all backgrounds.

What We Offer:

• Salary packaging to help you make the most of your earnings.
• Flexible work-from-home options – up to 50% of your week.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture where your contributions are valued.
• Additional gifted leave during the Christmas shutdown period.
• Wellbeing programs and initiatives to support your personal and professional growth.

How to apply

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you! Submit your application online or contact Stephanie at [email protected] if you require any workplace adjustments.

We expect to close this advertisement at 11:59pm on Sunday 6 July. Please do not delay your application as we may close it early if we receive a large number of responses.

All employment offers are subject to relevant pre-employment checks such as National criminal history check and Working with Children Check and others that may be relevant to this role.