Director Public Affairs (full‐time – 9‐month maternity leave contract)
Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) – Darwin, Northern Territory
About LGANT
LGANT is the peak body representing local government councils across the NT, delivering advocacy, policy advice and sector support to member councils.
The Opportunity
LGANT seeks a Director Public Affairs to lead its advocacy, policy, communications and member support functions.
This is a 9‐month full‐time maternity leave contract from mid‐April 2026 to mid‐January 2027, with the potential for extension.
The Director will provide high‐level strategic advice to the CEO, manage a small team, and ensure public affairs activities align with the organisation's strategic plan and member priorities.
Key responsibilities include shaping LGANT's policy agenda, coordinating sector engagement, and representing local government interests across the NT.
Why Join the LGANT team?
Work on issues that directly impact councils and communities across the NT.
Broad role across advocacy, policy, communications and member services.
Direct engagement with councils, government and stakeholders.
Small team environment where you can take ownership and deliver outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development of policy positions, submissions and advocacy initiatives aligned with LGANT's strategic plan and annual priorities.
* Undertake research and analysis to inform evidence‐based policy development.
* Ensure compliance with relevant NT and Australian Government legislation, regulations and policy frameworks.
* Coordinate project and advocacy staff to deliver high‐impact outcomes for member councils.
* Manage and coordinate projects that support and benefit member councils.
* Provide authoritative advice to the CEO, Board and member councils on emerging issues affecting local government.
* Facilitate engagement, consultation and negotiation with member councils to identify priorities and shape policy agenda.
* Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with elected members, council CEOs and senior staff.
* Coordinate sector staff networks.
* Support the delivery of training, shared services and capability‐building initiatives for member councils.
* Oversee public relations, communications, events and media engagement.
* Ensure consistent, professional messaging that strengthens LGANT's reputation and influence.
* Prepare speeches, briefings, reports, submissions and discussion papers.
* Support the CEO and President with communication materials for key forums and stakeholder engagements.
* Coordinate communications staff to deliver outcomes.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with NT and Australian Government agencies, ministerial advisors, ALGA, peak bodies and other key stakeholders.
* Represent LGANT at meetings, forums and events as directed by the CEO.
* Promote constructive partnerships that strengthen the NT local government sector.
About You
You are an experienced policy and advocacy professional with strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a small team environment.
What You'll Bring
* Advanced analytical, advisory, research and negotiation skills.
* Demonstrated experience in policy development at local, state/territory or national levels.
* Strong understanding of the political, socio‐cultural and economic landscape of the NT.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high‐quality reports, submissions and policy documents.
* Experience leading or working effectively within a small, high‐performing team.
* Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
* High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
* Ability to travel to regional and remote areas.
* Australian citizenship or a current visa permitting work in Australia.
* NT or interstate driver's licence.
* Experience in the local government sector, preferably within the NT.
* Understanding of the cultural diversity of the NT.
* Knowledge of NT local government legislation.
* Experience in public affairs, communications or media engagement.
Benefits
Competitive salary package.
Enhanced superannuation: additional 2.5% contribution and LGANT will contribute an extra 2%.
5 weeks recreation leave.
How to Apply
If you are interested in contributing to the local government sector across the Northern Territory, please submit your resume and a one‐page cover letter addressing the selection criteria.
For further information, contact Sarah Zaharie, Director Public Affairs, on (08) 8944 9697.
Position closes
Sunday 5 April 2026.
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