Policy and Research Director

135,000 – $160,000 per year + super + salary sac

Salary : $135,000 - $160,000 + Super, NFP Salary Sacrifice benefits and other benefits

Hybrid working / Work from home

Award Winning Culture

ABOUT FARE

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) is a not-for-profit organisation with a vision for an Australia free from alcohol harms – where communities are healthy and well and where laws, policies and programs are fair, equitable and just.

We work collaboratively with local communities, people with lived experience of alcohol harm, values-aligned organisations, health professionals, researchers and governments across the nation to raise community awareness of alcohol harms, advocate for policy change aimed at preventing alcohol-related harms and increase accountability of companies that fuel harm.

Working at FARE you will be part of an organisation developing and delivering innovative health programs and policy solutions to reduce alcohol harm to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in Australia.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Policy and Research Director leads FARE’s efforts to influence public policy through evidence-based research, strategic advocacy, and impactful campaigns. This role is responsible for shaping and communicating policy priorities, building public and political support, and driving systemic change through coordinated policy and campaign strategies.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

Lead FARE’s Policy and Research Team, including managing a small team and coordinating workflow to achieve the organisation’s strategic policy objectives.

Oversee FARE’s policy development including identifying policy priorities, developing clear evidence-based policy positions.

Oversee, develop and review high quality written publications including briefs, letters, submissions, research reports.

Lead the development and implementation of FARE’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with strategic policy and campaign priorities. Translate policy and research into compelling campaign narratives, messages, and materials. Stay abreast of emerging evidence and trendsin alcohol policy and public health to inform FARE’s work.

Work closely with the Communications and Campaigns Directorto develop and deliver public-facing campaigns that support policy goals.

Support the development of campaign materials, op-eds, and advocacy resourcesfor stakeholders and community partners.

Coordinate rapid response strategiesto emerging policy opportunities.

Develop FARE’s government relationships strategy and build relationships with decision makers in the public service and parliaments at the state, territory and national levels.

Manage and maintain strong stakeholder relationships including with people with lived experience of alcohol harm and organisations across the not-for-profit sector.

Represent the organisation in a range of forums to government, political and peak body stakeholders.

Support the work of other teams of FARE through the provisions of policy advice, research and strategic analysis.

Contribute to the implementation of FARE’s Strategic Plan and develop organisational operational plans with the CEO and other members of the Senior Leadership Team.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TEAM

Experience incampaign strategy development, public advocacy, or movement building.

Strong understanding ofpublic opinion dynamicsand how to influence them through policy and communications.

Strong stakeholder management and engagement skills.

Knowledge of parliamentary and policy development cycles and processes.

Passion forsocial change and public advocacy.

Ability to work, lead and make decisions under pressure.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Tertiary qualifications in policy, public health, political science or a related field.

A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a relevant field with successful track record of achieving policy outcomes.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in leading a dynamic and highly skilled teams in a fast-paced environment.

BENEFITS INCLUDE :

Access to a generous not-for-profit salary packaging program.

Gifted leave over Christmas holiday shut-down.

Great workplace culture : FARE has received Xref Engage’s Best Workplace Award in 2024 and 2025, which recognises best workplaces who have excellent management practices and a highly engaged workforce

Learn more : fare.org.au / about / careers.

Contact : If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] using the subject line : ‘Policy and Research Director via Seek’or phone (02) 5104 9311 for more information.

The position description can be accessed on FARE's website : fare.org.au / about / careers

To apply, please provide an up-to-date resume with contact details for two referees and a cover letter of no more than 500 words demonstrating your suitability for the role, with particular attention to the key responsibilities and eligibility criteria for the role and email to [email protected] by 5pm AEDT, Wednesday 9 July.

Applications sent through the Seek portal will not be accepted.

Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

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