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General Manager, External Affairs
* Elevate national voice and influence
* Melbourne or Canberra location preferred, however will consider other locations
* Full-time, Hybrid
Teach For Australia (TFA) is on a mission to ensure every child in Australia has access to an excellent education—regardless of postcode. They recruit and develop exceptional people to teach and lead across the country, building a community of leaders committed to equity for children.
* Serve the Students – Everything they do is in service of children and young people.
* Have High Expectations – For themselves, for others, and for what's possible for students.
* Make It Happen – They act with deliberate intent to create meaningful change.
* Get There Together – Collaboration is at the heart of their big vision.
* Celebrate Along the Way – They find joy in progress and possibility.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Manager, External Affairs is a pivotal executive role shaping TFA's influence, reputation and national growth. Operating at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, strategic communications and philanthropy, this position offers a rare opportunity to deliver system-level impact. You will create the conditions for TFA to expand its reach by building broad coalitions of supporters, deepening government partnerships, securing philanthropic investment, and strengthening TFA's standing as a leading voice in the education sector.
In this role, you will:
* Shape national strategy: Lead the development and execution of a bold, integrated External Affairs strategy that drives organisational growth, revenue diversification, government support and positive reputation.
* Influence the policy landscape: Build high-trust relationships with leaders across federal and state governments; craft compelling policy and advocacy positions; anticipate emerging issues; and secure the policy settings that enable TFA's work to scale.
* Fuel TFA's growth through philanthropy: Deliver a diversified philanthropy strategy across major donors, trusts, foundations, corporates and high-net-worth individuals; maintain a strong partnership pipeline; and steward relationships through exceptional communication, engagement and impact storytelling.
* Shape TFA's public voice: Oversee TFA's media and communications strategy, strengthening the organisation's national profile, managing high-profile engagements and media relations, and ensuring consistent mission-aligned messaging across all channels.
* Mobilise coalitions: Convene and engage stakeholders across education, government, community, and industry, strengthening TFA's influence and forging alliances that amplify advocacy and impact.
* Strengthen executive leadership: Provide timely, strategic advice to the CEO and Board; lead major organisational milestones; and ensure the organisation is well-positioned to navigate external opportunities and risks.
* Build and empower a high-performing team: Lead a multidisciplinary team across the external affairs function, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
* Champion R-DEIB leadership: Demonstrate commitment to Reconciliation, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging through reflective leadership, decision‐making and role‐modelling, embedding these commitments into TFA's external engagement and internal culture.
About YOU
* Senior leader with a track record in government or government relations, with strong political awareness and understanding of policy, budgets and decision-making processes.
* Demonstrated experience in securing funding through compelling proposals and building trusted, high-value relationships.
* A confident executive leader who drives outcomes, builds capability and thrives in complex environments.
* An exceptional communicator, able to craft clear, persuasive material for senior government and donor audiences.
* Emotionally intelligent, proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to identify and seize opportunities.
* A strong understanding of TFA and its programs, and a commitment to addressing educational inequity.
* Tertiary qualified in a relevant field.
Desirable
* Experience in fundraising and philanthropy, with an emphasis on major or individual gifts, and a familiarity with trusts and foundations, and corporate partnerships.
* Experience developing campaigns or strategies to achieve broad based support for an organisation, policy or issue.
Gembridge Australia championsdiversity 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 are an influential external affairs leader ready to shape government partnerships and philanthropy to elevate public voice and drive TFA's national impact.
If you are seeking a Position Description, please email apply@gembridge.com.au.
Gembridge is proud to partner with Teach For Australia.
For a confidential discussion, contact Michelle Varcoe or Jenni D'Orival at Gembridge on 1300 313 413 or apply@gembridge.com.au.
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