Position Description

Senior Policy Advisor

Role Specifics

Direct reports | 1

Reports to | Director, Collaborative Solutions

FTE | 1.0 (Full-Time)

Location | Flexible - PLACE functions as a remote/hybrid workforce

PLACE Level | 3

Salary Range | $110,000 - $130,000 + superannuation

Role Summary

The Senior Policy Advisor plays a critical role in shaping and advancing PLACE’s policy agenda to support place-based approaches to service delivery. The position provides high-level advice and analysis on government commissioning frameworks and their impact on community-led initiatives. Working collaboratively across PLACE’s Learn and Share, Enable, and Strengthen Data teams, the role is central to building a compelling evidence base and policy narrative that reflects local needs and drives systemic change.

This role leads the development of policy positions, supports strategy design to engage government stakeholders, and contributes to modelling and analysis of alternative funding and commissioning approaches. The Senior Policy Advisor also works closely with the Director and broader team to influence decision-making through well-informed discussions with senior government officials.

Who We Are

Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) is a not-for-profit organisation, committed to collaborative, community-driven approaches to create impactful and lasting change.

It is our vision to enable communities and governments to jointly decide on matters that are most important to our lives. We lead national initiatives to develop workforce strategies, enhance place-based practices and improve data monitoring and evaluation.

At PLACE, we are dedicated to creating lasting change through understanding, action and empowered governance.

Areas of Responsibility

1. Mapping Government Purchasing Policies

  • Conduct thorough analysis and mapping of commissioning policies and programs across different levels of government, as they relate to the purchasing of services in communities.

  • Identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for alignment and improvement in the support for place-based programs and community priorities.

  • Develop comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders.

  • Maintain knowledge of developments and changes in this space over time.

2. Policy Development

  • Lead the development of policies that support place-based approaches to service delivery.

  • Engage with stakeholders to gather insights and ensure policies are responsive to local needs.

  • Draft policy documents, guidelines, and frameworks that facilitate effective implementation.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across Commonwealth, State, and Territory Governments.

  • Facilitate workshops, meetings, and consultations to gather input and feedback.

  • Represent the organisation in intergovernmental forums and working groups.

4. Research and Analysis

  • Stay abreast of current trends, best practices, and innovations in government commissioning and place-based policy development.

  • Draw on research and analysis to inform policy recommendations and decision-making.

  • Prepare briefing notes, policy papers, and other documentation as required.

5. Leadership and Collaboration

  • Provide leadership and guidance to staff and project teams.

  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

  • Ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.