Hudson Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Head of Policy & Government Relations
Hudson has been appointed as the exclusive search partner to appoint a Head of Policy & Government Relations for a well-known member‑based peak body representing a critical, nationally significant industry.
The organisation advocates for industry productivity solutions, long‑term investment, competitiveness, safety and sustainability in a complex, highly regulated environment. Working closely with governments, regulators and industry leaders, it plays an active role in shaping policy and regulatory settings with national impact.
This newly created role will lead the organisation's public policy and government relations strategy across multiple Australian jurisdictions (and selected New Zealand interfaces), elevating its profile and impact with Ministers, senior officials, regulators and key stakeholders.
Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the organisation's public policy and government relations strategy across multiple jurisdictions and guide a specialised, multi‑location team to deliver high‑quality policy, advocacy and thought leadership that shapes national and state‑based decision‑making.
This role requires a leader who can confidently navigate political environments, anticipate regulatory shifts, and deliver compelling, evidence‑based advocacy that resonates with senior stakeholders at a national and state‑based level.
Key Leadership Responsibilities
* Set a bold, unified policy and GR strategy aligned to long‑term organisational priorities
* Lead targeted advocacy campaigns that influence policy, regulatory and investment settings
* Build enduring relationships with Ministers, Shadows, senior officials, regulators and industry leaders
* Oversee policy submissions, briefing papers, strategic analysis and public positioning
* Represent the organisation in high‑level government, parliamentary and industry forums
* Coach and develop an already high‑performing policy and GR team
* Ensure strong alignment with the CEO, Board and senior leadership
About You
You bring depth of experience across government relations, public affairs and/or public policy at state or national level. Your background may include senior advisory roles in government, executive roles in the public sector, strategic roles in consulting, and/or senior corporate affairs, external relations, regulatory or strategy roles in the private sector.
Required Experience
* Proven success in government relations, public affairs or public policy at state and/or national level
* Experience as a senior adviser, chief of staff, consultant, public sector executive or senior corporate affairs/regulatory leader, with exposure to Cabinet, parliamentary and/or regulatory processes
* A strong track record of shaping policy outcomes – not just monitoring developments – using evidence, strategic timing and coalition‑building
* The ability to distil complex issues into clear, persuasive messages for senior decision‑makers
* Demonstrated capability to lead and develop a specialist team in a stakeholder‑rich environment
* Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, economics, law, commerce, communications or a related field are highly desirable but not essential
Experience working with complex, regulated or capital‑intensive sectors, and established networks in the Australian political landscape, will be highly regarded but are not mandatory.
Why This Role?
* Set the direction for a significant policy and advocacy agenda
* Directly shape conversations at State and Commonwealth levels
* Lead a team with the capability and appetite to deliver impact
* Work closely with a committed CEO and Board
* Operate in a role with visibility, influence, and strategic autonomy
The role is based in Canberra with hybrid flexibility and includes occasional travel within Australia and to New Zealand.
Confidential Enquiries : For a confidential conversation or to request the full information pack, please contact Leeann Soden, National Practice Director – Hudson.
Casual Loading : Please note for all Australian based contract and temporary roles only, the pay rate is inclusive of mandatory 25% casual loading. This excludes permanent and fixed‑term roles.
Senior level : Not Applicable.
Employment type : Full‑time.
Job function : Consulting, Marketing, and Writing/Editing.
Industries : Public Policy Offices.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Hudson : Hudson is committed to helping you find a workplace where you feel respected, supported, and free to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—because when different voices come together, amazing things happen.
#J-18808-Ljbffr