Director of Policy & Advocacy

• Define and implement strategies that will future-proof national food system innovation and security 
• Scale and deepen relationships with government and industry stakeholders to advance systemic change 
• Lead a dynamic team to deliver campaigns that drive critical outcomes at pace and scale 

The Organisation 

This leading advocacy organisation is dedicated to advancing food production technologies and systems innovation to ensure immediate and future security. Collaborating with government, industry, research and public stakeholders, they are also entering an exciting growth phase. 

With multi-year funding in place, they are scaling their policy and advocacy portfolio to capitalise growing political alignment and drive crucial changes in policy settings and investment to accelerate the commercialisation of the food technologies that could shape the future of Australia’s food system.

The Opportunity

Australia’s emerging food technology sector is at a genuine inflection point — and this role sits right at its centre. As Director of Policy & Advocacy, you will build and activate the government support, influence policy settings and drive the public investment needed to unlock a new generation of food production in Australia. 

Contributing to the early development of this emerging sector, you will set strategy, define priorities, build coalitions and  shape policy strategy. You will also  develop and deploy evidence-based positions, and lead engagement with state and federal governments to create momentum and system change at scale. 

Reporting to the CEO and leading a high-performing team of three across policy, government relations, and regulatory affairs, you will build an evidence base, develop submissions, advocacy materials, strategic messages and lead targeted campaigns. You will also convene and manage forums, working groups and other stakeholder processes that support this national mission. 

The Right Fit

We are seeking a progressive, dynamic and passionate leader who will  inspire and advance policy and advocacy strategies that will ensure immediate sustained impact at pace and scale. 

Key to success will be rapidly engaging, influencing and mobilising diverse audiences on common policy positions within the food system and agriculture sector. Therefore, aligned sector experience coupled with a track record of achieving collective outcomes alongside  government, political and  industry stakeholders will be advantageous. 

Essential capabilities to ensure impact will include:

Strategy & policy leadership

• Strategic policy and advocacy leadership, with the ability to translate complex sector issues into clear priorities, actionable plans and measurable outcomes. 
• Strong strategic judgement, commercial acumen and the ability to balance long-term vision with execution and delivery. 

Government & stakeholder engagement

• Strong government, stakeholder and partnership engagement capability across complex political, regulatory and industry environments. 
• Proven ability to build credibility, alignment and momentum across diverse stakeholder groups, including in contested or evolving sectors. 

Advocacy, communications & thought leadership

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, including the ability to craft compelling, evidence-based messaging for diverse audiences. 
• Confidence representing an organisation across policy discussions, stakeholder engagements and external forums. 

Leadership & organisational contribution

• Collaborative and values-led leadership, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster an inclusive, outcomes-focused culture. 
• Adaptability, initiative and a strong commitment to purpose-driven work and sector impact.

The Benefits

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the development of an emerging sector and help shape the policy and regulatory foundations that will support its growth.

You will play a central role in strengthening engagement, supporting priority initiatives and building alignment across a broad stakeholder landscape.

If successful, you will: 

• Lead a nationally significant remit that will ensure food security into the future 
• Engage with system stakeholders and experts to drive food innovation and integration
• Enjoy a remote first and truly flexible working model that promotes trust and connection 
• Collaborate with and learn from a talented, high-performance team to achieve collective impact at pace and scale 

Interested? For a confidential discussion, please contact Ainsley Johnstone at Think Talent on 0408 391 648. Otherwise, click “apply” for prompt consideration.