Advocacy Lead

Drive meaningful change for the Banyule community.

We’re seeking a passionate, politically savvy and strategic leader to step into the high-impact role of Advocacy Lead at Banyule City Council.

In this pivotal position, you’ll shape and drive our Advocacy efforts — influencing decisions that matter at all levels of government. You’ll lead innovative campaigns, craft compelling messages, and build powerful coalitions with key stakeholders to champion priorities for our community.

Why you'll love this role and what you’ll do:

This is a high-profile leadership opportunity where your influence will help shape a more connected, inclusive and thriving Banyule. This is more than a policy role — it’s your opportunity to lead targeted advocacy that delivers real outcomes for people, places and progress across Banyule. You’ll:

• Identify, develop and execute campaigns and activities to achieve Council’s Advocacy Strategy.
• Provide strategic advice, research and analysis to support high-level decision-making
• Build collaborative relationships with representatives of government, not-for-profit organisations, community and other influencers who can support Council’s advocacy.
• Equip internal teams and community stakeholders with the skills and tools to advocate effectively
• Measure and report on advocacy impact and outcomes

This role is part of Banyule’s Leadership Network – you’ll have opportunities to grow your skills and experience of leadership in a Local Government context and develop your skills as an organisational leader beyond your role-based expertise. 

Who and what we are looking for

• A strategic thinker with strong political insight and policy understanding, with substantial experience in applying theory and practice of advocacy in a multi-faceted organisational context, preferably in local or state government.
• An exceptional communicator – able to translate complex issues into persuasive, tailored messaging.
• A skilled collaborator with experience working across all levels of government and the community sector, and experience in managing relationships and partnering with internal and external staff to effectively implement advocacy activities.
• Outstanding research and communications skills and ability to prepare a wide variety of written material to support advocacy strategy and implementation.

What we offer:

• A permanent full-time position with a monthly RDO
• Salary $122,479.30 - $136,887.38per annum plus super.
• Flexible work arrangements that support personal well-being alongside professional commitments
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave - primary carer/2 weeks of paid parental leave - partner
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including health and well-being initiatives

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria from the position description.

For a confidential discussion or if you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Shawn Neilsen on 0412 626 229.

Applications close: 24 June 2025 at 11:45 PM.

Why choose Banyule: Join a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on our community. At Banyule Council, you'll have the opportunity to drive service excellence, engage with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to the betterment of our community. We offer a supportive, collaborative, and innovative work environment where your skills and expertise will be valued and rewarded.

Banyule City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we value diversity and inclusion, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. If you have a reasonable adjustment, support, or access requirement, we encourage you to inform us through your application or email employment@banyule.vic.gov.au

Our Values: Our employees align their careers with Banyule because they share our values of respect, integrity, responsibility, initiative, and inclusion. They thrive in our strong learning and development culture, and the positive way we work in partnership with the community. You will share our values and have a passion for helping a community of over 130,000 residents to live happier, healthier and more connected lives, all while growing your skills and advancing your career. We look forward to you starting the next chapter of your career at Banyule Council.

Diversity Statement: Our community is made up of diverse, cultures, beliefs, abilities, bodies, sexualities, ages, and genders. We are committed to access, equity, participation, and rights for everyone: principles that empower, foster harmony, and increase the well-being of an inclusive community.

To discover more about Banyule's commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace, please find Banyule's Workplace Gender Equality Action Plan 2021-2025.

Acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians: Banyule City Council is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Custodians of the land and we pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the region’s history.

Banyule City Council endorses the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full and accepts the invitation to walk with First Nations peoples, to a better future for us all.

Child Safe Standards Statement of Commitment: Banyule City Council is a child-safe organisation committed to the safety and well-being of children.

Council has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously and acted upon. As a child-safe organisation we are committed to providing a child-safe environment where children feel safe, are empowered, valued and protected. Council will actively listen to children, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in decisions that affect their lives.