Community Development (Community Services & Development)
About the role
The Policy & Advocacy Manager drives the organisation's policy development and systemic advocacy, maintaining an overview of ageing-related issues and information needs confronting older people, ensuring that COTA Victoria is responding in a timely manner to high priority concerns and is the leading advocacy peak body for older Victorians.
What you'll be doing
Lead and manage the Policy and Advocacy Team, including strategic and operational planning, integration of work streams, support of new and existing projects and staff development.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, be a role model for effective and positive leadership which is ethical, results driven and future oriented.
Provide leadership and advice on important and timely policy issues and information needs affecting older people across the state, monitor emerging issues and in consultation with the CEO, propose cross organisational strategies and responses.
Ensure COTA Victoria has the necessary alliances in place for collaborative action on policy issues of high priority and represent COTA Victoria externally.
Work collaboratively with members of the COTA Federation, including through any relevant COTA Federation bodies or networks, to advance the interests, rights, and opportunities of older Australians.
Fulfil accountabilities to funding bodies and reporting to the COTA Victoria CEO, Board, internal committees and broader membership.
Ensure that all necessary policy and information related data is captured and stored for reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and analysis purposes.
In consultation with the CEO, provide input into business development opportunities and funding proposals based on agreed organisational priorities.
Develop and implement processes to continuously review, evaluate, and improve the quality and impact of policy and advocacy programs.
Model, promote and ensure a collaborative and consultative approach to working within COTA Victoria, with other COTA teams, and participate actively in broader COTA activities.
To undertake other related duties as directed.
What we're looking for
Mandatory
Over four years of experience in policy development and advocacy roles, with an understanding of the non-government and not-for-profit environment.
Professional
Postgraduate level degree in Politics, Public Policy or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in public policy, advocacy, and engagement.
Strong understanding of age-related policy issues.
Experience in leading and managing policy development in the community sector or similar space.
Experience and demonstrated skills in leading and managing diverse teams and volunteers including project management skills in a community sector organisation.
Ability to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively with COTA Victoria members, older Victorians, and partner organisations.
Strong information technology skills, including data management processes.
Strong business acumen, including managing complex budgets with funds from a variety of sources.
Personal
Commitment to human rights, civic participation and the vision, mission, and values of COTA Victoria.
Understanding of issues facing older people and ability to engage a diverse range of people in COTA Victoria activities.
Ability to focus team activities in line with agreed priorities and achieve outcomes in a timely manner with tight deadlines.
High level of interpersonal skills to resolve organisational issues, build relationships with stakeholders, develop, and motivate staff.
High level of written communication skills including report writing and plain English communication.
High level of verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Skill and experience in project management, budget development and monitoring.
An ability to ensure that all COTA Victoria Programs are conducted in line with Access and Equity principles and practices.
What we offer
At COTA Victoria, we are committed to providing a supportive and flexible work environment that enables our employees to thrive. We offer a range of benefits, including:
Competitive salary and superannuation + salary packaging
Flexible work arrangements, including the option to work under hybrid conditions
Generous leave entitlements, including personal and carer's leave
A collaborative and inclusive organisational culture
About us
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For nearly 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing. Our strategic and operational focus is on promoting older age as a time of opportunities for personal growth, contribution and self-expression.
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