Senior Advisor, Strategy

As the Senior Advisor, Strategy & Policy, you’ll play a key role in shaping AUSMASA’s strategic policy positions and advice at a critical point in our growth as a Jobs and Skills Council. Working closely with the Manager, Risk & Compliance, this role supports high-quality policy analysis, briefing and strategic advice that informs senior leadership, government engagement and system-level reform. You’ll help ensure AUSMASA’s perspectives are well-researched, clearly articulated and aligned with governance and risk frameworks. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of policy, strategy and stakeholder engagement, and who can confidently translate complex policy environments into practical, decision-ready advice. Your work will directly contribute to strengthening Australia’s vocational education and training system and supporting workforce capability across the mining and automotive sectors. This is a fixed term contract opportunity until June 2028. What You’ll Be Doing Monitor, analyse and summarise government policy developments, reforms and emerging issues relevant to skills, workforce and industry Undertake policy research and environmental scanning to inform strategic advice, briefs and submissions Prepare clear, concise and well-reasoned briefing materials, talking points and policy summaries for senior leaders Support the development of AUSMASA’s policy positions and responses to government and system-level reform Provide policy insight and advice to support organisational strategy, priorities and decision-making Assist with briefing and support for government, Jobs and Skills Council and stakeholder engagements Contribute to meeting briefs, agendas, summaries and follow-up actions for policy-focused engagements Ensure policy advice and documents are accurate, evidence-based and aligned with governance and risk frameworks Identify and elevate policy-related risks, sensitivities or emerging issues as required Work collaboratively across AUSMASA to embed policy considerations into initiatives and communications Who You Are You’re analytical, thoughtful and confident working in complex policy environments. You enjoy digging into detail, connecting the dots, and providing advice that is practical, balanced and strategically aligned. You’ll bring: Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, economics, communications or a related field 5–7 years’ experience in public policy, government relations or stakeholder engagement roles A strong understanding of Commonwealth and/or State/Territory policy and political environments Demonstrated experience producing high-quality policy briefs and written advice Excellent written and verbal communication skills The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative working style Even Better If You Also Have: Experience in a regulated, publicly funded or accountability-focused environment Familiarity with workforce development, training policy or industry-led reform Experience working with or alongside government, industry associations or not-for-profit organisations Knowledge of Australia’s VET system or Jobs and Skills Council environment Exposure to the mining and/or automotive sectors Experience working in a small, national or hybrid team Why Join AUSMASA? At the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, we work at the intersection of industry, government and education to shape the future of skills and workforce development in Australia. As Australia’s Mining and Automotive Jobs and Skills Council, we’re moving into an exciting delivery phase focused on impact, performance and measurable outcomes. We offer: A purpose-led and inclusive culture Hybrid working arrangements (Melbourne or Perth) Exposure to national reform and system-level policy work Opportunities to influence strategy and decision-making A collaborative, high-trust national team environment Ready to Get Involved? Apply now with your resume and cover letter and join a team committed to strengthening Australia’s skills system and workforce capability. Applications close on 5th January 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr