This role offers are unique opportunity to lead national and state-level policy and advocacy for Cellular Agriculture Australia - Australia's leading peak body. We are working at the forefront of new and emerging food technologies and production methods, with a particular focus on cellular agriculture and food biomanufacturing.
At its core, the role drives government engagement to remove policy barriers and unlock public investment, positioning emerging food production methods as integral to Australia's food security and economic future.
About Cellular Agriculture Australia
Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA) is Australia's leading philanthropically-funded non profit dedicated to advancing new and emerging food technologies and production methods.
We work with and across government, industry, and researchers to build the policy, regulatory, and public foundations needed to unlock a new generation of food and ingredient production in Australia.
We believe new technologies and food production methods need to work within our agri-food system and can create complementary, value-adding opportunities for a multitude of stakeholders.
CAA is entering an exciting growth phase. Having secured multi-year funding, we are scaling our policy and government engagement to capitalise on growing political alignment and opportunities. The sector is at an inflection point—and this role is central to what happens next.
The role
You'll lead CAA's policy and advocacy agenda across state and federal governments—setting strategy, driving senior engagement, developing evidence-based policy positions, and coordinating sector-wide advocacy. The role also convenes industry and government forums, leads submissions, and drives campaigns for access to public funding for critical R&D and infrastructure.
What we're looking for
* Proven senior-level experience in government relations, advocacy or public policy (state and/or federal).
* Demonstrated ability to work with and across government departments and political parties.
* A track record of shaping policy outcomes through evidence, strategic timing and coalition-building.
* Strong ability to translate complex issues into clear, persuasive messages.
* Energy for working with an emerging, pre-commercial sector.
* Experience translating complex scientific or technical matters into effective policy and advocacy outcomes is highly regarded.
* Willingness to work in a small, dynamic and highly collaborative team environment.
Key responsibilities
* Lead the development and implementation of CAA's Policy & Advocacy strategy
* Drive senior political and departmental engagement
* Develop policy positions, submissions, campaigns and clear policy asks
* Design and convene industry working groups and task forces
* Build strategic partnerships across government, industry and research
* Enable industry and research partners to access public funding for R&D and infrastructure through awareness building and advocacy on eligibility.
* Manage at least one direct report and oversee work plans with external consultants and advisors.
* Frequent domestic and some international travel as required for high-impact engagement opportunities.
What we offer
* A chance to shape policy in a fast-moving, nationally significant sector
* Competitive salary + full NFP salary packaging
* Flexible, remote-first work (preference for Canberra-based, with openness to anywhere in Australia for the right candidate)
* A highly transparent and inclusive working environment
* Agency and accountability for CAA's policy and advocacy program
* Direct access to the executive team and influence over organisational direction
This is a full-time role.
Please note, we are not in a position to sponsor visas.
How to apply
Apply via
with your CV, cover letter (2 pages max), and short responses to three questions:
1. What is a career highlight for you, and why?
2. What are the three most important characteristics of an organisation you want to be part of?
3. What's a policy position you've helped shape that required balancing evidence, political realities and diverse stakeholder interests? How did you manage trade-offs?
We value diversity and recognise that standard application processes don't suit everyone — if there's a better way for us to get to know you, let us know.
Applications without a cover letter and responses to the above questions will not be considered.
Applications close: Friday 6th February