Head of Policy and Public Affairs

About the Organisation 

NSW Farmers is Australia’s largest state farming organisation, representing farmers and rural communities across New South Wales. For more than 125 years, it has been a trusted voice for the sector, shaping policy and advocating for a strong and sustainable agricultural industry. The organisation works closely with members, government and industry to influence outcomes and support the long-term success of regional communities.

The Role 

As a member of the Executive Team, the role contributes to organisation-wide strategy, performance, financial sustainability and stakeholder leadership, and plays a key role in supporting the CEO to deliver the Association's strategic objectives.  

Serving as the central integrator across policy, communications, and public affairs, the role ensures a consistent narrative, aligns activities with organisational priorities, works cross-functionally to maximise impact, strengthen external influence, support membership growth and retention, develop strategic partnerships and projects, and deliver tangible value to members and the Association. 

Key Responsibilities 

Policy Leadership and Advocacy 

• Lead NSW Farmers' policy and advocacy agenda, identifying and responding to issues impacting members and the agricultural sector.  
• Build influential relationships with government, industry and key stakeholders to drive policy outcomes.  
• Develop and deliver advocacy strategies that strengthen the organisation's impact, reputation and influence.  

Public Affairs and Communication 

• Lead the organisation's public affairs and communications strategy across media, digital and member channels.  
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging that supports advocacy priorities and member engagement.  
• Enhance the visibility, reputation and influence of NSW Farmers among members, stakeholders and the broader community.  

Organisational Alignment and Member Value 

• Partner across the organisation to align policy, advocacy and communications initiatives with strategic priorities. 
• Drive activities that support member acquisition, retention and engagement.  
• Identify and develop partnerships, projects and opportunities that create value for members and support organisational sustainability.  

Stakeholder Engagement and Governance 

• Provide strategic advice and reporting to the CEO, Board and Executive Team.  
• Manage engagement with Executive Council, committees and key member groups.  
• Ensure strong governance, accountability and alignment across policy, advocacy and public affairs activities.  

Leadership and Living Our Values 

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team focused on delivering measurable outcomes.  
• Contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, performance and continuous improvement.  
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, wellbeing and excellence across the organisation. 

Candidate Profile 

Experience 

• Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, economics, political science, government, international relations or a related discipline. 
• Senior experience in policy, advocacy and public affairs. 
• Strong government and stakeholder engagement experience. 
• Sound understanding of legislative, regulatory and parliamentary processes. 
• Experience leading high-performing teams and working with Boards and governance structures. 
• Ability to build partnerships that create practical member value. 

Highly Regarded 

• Knowledge of agriculture, regional communities or farming businesses. 
• Understanding of key issues affecting NSW farmers. 
• Networks across government, industry, media or member-based organisations. 
• Experience supporting membership growth and organisational influence. 

Leadership style 

• Strategic, collaborative and values led. 
• A clear communicator who unites policy, communications and public affairs. 
• Credible with senior stakeholders and confident navigating complex issues. 
• Commercially aware, politically astute and member focused. 
• Practical, outcomes-oriented and comfortable driving change. 
• An empowering leader who builds capability and supports career development. 

Why join us 

With a strong focus on delivering an integrated communications and advocacy strategy, you will lead high-impact initiatives that support membership growth, strengthen external influence, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver tangible value to members while helping secure the long-term sustainability and success of Australian agriculture. 

As a member of the Executive Team, reporting to the CEO, you will play a key role in shaping policy outcomes, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and enhancing the voice of NSW farmers across government, industry and the broader community. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious leader to further develop their executive capability, broaden their influence and progress their career in a highly visible, purpose-led role. 

Interested?

Please apply using the APPLY NOW button on this website.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only applications submitted through the portal can be considered.

For further information please contact connect@beaumontexec.com.au.
Please direct all enquiries to Jo Brown or Sharon Chisholm.

Beaumont People has been retained to recruit this position on behalf of our client.

At Beaumont People, we believe a diverse workplace is a happy workplace, and we love working with organisations that feel the same way. We encourage applications from people of all different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CALD backgrounds and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable accommodation to be made for your application to be assessed, we would be more than happy to discuss how that can be arranged.