Job Title

Head of Employment and Government Relations Arise Foundation is an award-winning not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting women survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) achieve empowerment and financial independence through employment. Our programs assist women in developing financial literacy, digital skills, self-confidence, and foundational skills required for meaningful employment, while also providing crucial recovery and healing support. Position Overview The Head of Employment and Government Relations will lead Arise Foundations national strategy for employment partnerships, workforce development, and government engagement. This senior leadership role is responsible for: Expanding high-quality employment pathways for Arise Women. Strengthening strategic relationships with government (local, state, federal). Positioning Arise as a leader in social impact, economic security, and gender-responsive policy. Influencing systems to drive long-term financial independence for women recovering from abuse. The role requires a passionate, strategic leader with experience in employment services, social impact, and government and stakeholder engagement at senior levels. Key Responsibilities Employment Partnerships & Workforce Pathways Develop and implement Arises national employment strategy. Identify, secure, and manage partnerships with corporate employers, government agencies, and social enterprise networks. Coordinate and enhance upskilling and mentoring programssuch as Employability Upskill Days and cadetshipsin close partnership with corporate and government stakeholders to maximise employment outcomes for Arise Women. Work closely with partners and develop new ones (e.g., Wotton & Kearney) to design tailored employment pathways. Monitor outcomes, quality, and wellbeing (including economic uplift) of Arise Women in employment programs. Ensure ethical, inclusive, and trauma-informed employment opportunities. Government Relations & Policy Engagement Lead Arises government engagement strategy across multiple portfolios (womens safety, social services, employment, multicultural affairs). Build strong relationships with Ministers, MPs, departmental officials, and government-funded services. Prepare government submissions, briefing notes, policy papers, and grant applications. Represent Arise at government roundtables, consultations, summits, and advisory groups. Advocate for systemic change to improve financial independence and economic participation for survivors. Strengthen Arises role within networks such as SEA, SECNA, DV and financial abuse sectors, multicultural organisations, and industry bodies. Collaborate with universities, research institutions, and think tanks to advance evidence-based practice and co-develop policy and white papers. Support opportunities for Arise to present at conferences, corporate events, and knowledge-exchange forums. Program Strategy, Reporting & Impact Measurement Work alongside the Co-CEO to refine Arises employment model and national scaling strategy. Oversee data, reporting, and compliance for employment and government-related initiatives. Ensure alignment with Arises impact frameworks and evaluation methodologies. Provide regular updates to the Executive Team and Board. Leadership & Organisational Development Supervise staff and contractors related to employment programs and government relations. Contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and organisational improvement. Uphold trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based practice across all operations. Qualifications Minimum 710 years experience in employment services, workforce development, social impact, government relations, or related sectors. Demonstrated experience managing senior stakeholder relationships (government, corporate, community sector). Strong understanding of domestic and family violence, financial abuse, gender equity, and economic security issues. Proven ability to design and implement programs that lead to real employment outcomes. Exceptional communication skills, including writing briefing notes, submissions, and policy documents. Experience representing organisations at senior-level meetings and public forums. Strategic leadership capability with a track record of delivering outcomes. Personal Attributes Passionate about empowering women and creating social impact. Strategic thinker with a growth mindset. Adaptable and resilient, able to thrive in a dynamic environment. Collaborative leader with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Empathetic and culturally sensitive. Arise Foundation is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from candidates with lived experience of domestic and family violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining Arise Foundation. Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Part-time Job function: Other Industries: Non-profit Organizations Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Arise Foundation Australia by 2x. #J-18808-Ljbffr