Join to apply for the Director of Policy and Advocacy role at Gembridge Australia.
Drive national policy reform to prevent child sexual abuse and amplify survivor voices
Be part of a courageous organisation creating systems change and lasting impact
Full-time, remote role with flexibility, ideally based within reach of a major Australian city
The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse is a symbol of hope and an essential vehicle for action for many victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. Established in 2021 following the Royal Commission’s recommendations, the Centre leads national efforts to drive systemic reform, build the evidence base, raise awareness, and reduce stigma. Working in partnership with governments, research institutions, and leading organisations, the Centre places survivor voices at the heart of everything it does.
Reporting to the CEO, the Director, Policy and Advocacy provides strategic leadership across policy, research, communications, and advocacy to challenge and transform systems that enable child sexual abuse. This role drives policy reform, influences public discourse, and fosters cross-sector collaboration to strengthen prevention, accountability, and healing, ensuring survivor-informed approaches are embedded throughout the organisation’s work.
The Role
* Provide strategic leadership across policy, advocacy, communications, research and evidence functions to deliver impact and drive organisational policies
* Lead systemic policy reform, challenging institutional, legal, and cultural drivers of child sexual abuse and partnering with lived experience experts, researchers, and practitioners to generate new knowledge
* Shape and advance policy agendas that prioritise prevention, accountability, and victim-survivor healing and justice
* Oversee strategic communications and advocacy, including submissions, position papers, campaigns, and media engagement to influence public attitudes and dismantle harmful myths and stigmas
* Champion survivor voices in all outputs, ensuring they are survivor-informed, evidence-based, and aligned with organisational values
* Guide research strategy and translation, leveraging findings to inform policy and practice
* Monitor emerging issues and opportunities, ensuring proactive advocacy and rapid responses to legislative, sector, and community developments
* Represent the organisation in critical public and policy conversations, advisory bodies, and sector forums
* Embed organisational values—Better Together, Trustworthy, Driving Action, Inclusive, Bold—into everyday work and culture
About YOU
* A strategic mindset, with the ability to balance long‑term goals and emerging opportunities in a dynamic policy environment
* Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, fostering collaboration and building consensus across diverse perspectives and sectors
* Proven experience managing high‑performing teams and leading joint projects, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and survivor‑centred approaches
* Strong expertise in policy development and implementation, supported by excellent written communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly
* Extensive experience driving strategic and systemic advocacy, integrating lived experience, evidence, and practice into law and policy reform
* High‑level expertise in government relations and political acumen, with a deep understanding of policy cycles and legislative processes
* Qualifications in public policy, social sciences, law, or equivalent experience, complemented by a commitment to survivor‑informed, evidence‑based practice
Gembridge Australia champions diversity and is committed to building an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation and genders.
APPLY NOW if you’re ready to lead bold policy reform and champion survivor voices in shaping systemic change.
Gembridge is proud to partner with National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse.
For a confidential discussion, contact Dawn Patrick or Michelle Varcoe at Gembridge on 1300 313 413 or apply@gembridge.com.au.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Strategy/Planning, Management, and Legal
Industries: Non‑profit Organizations
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