Government Relations and Policy Advisor

Job Description:

• Full time
• Continuing
• Location Canberra
• Salary HEO8 starting from $115,566 plus 17% superannuation

About the position

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) is a network of seven public universities across Australia committed to inclusive education and research with impact. The current membership is Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, La Trobe University, Murdoch University, the University of Canberra and Western Sydney University.

The IRU supports collaboration across its member universities and constructive engagement with government and public policy. The primary focus of this position is to play a key and strategic role in supporting the IRU’s engagement with the Australian Government, government departments, parliamentarians and other higher education and research stakeholders. This position will also be responsible for undertaking policy analysis, drafting briefing and submissions, providing expert advice to senior university leaders and supporting a range of internal and external meetings, events and projects.

The successful candidate will be a member of the IRU Secretariat team of five to seven people.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Government Relations and Policy Advisor will be based in Canberra.

Skills and Experience

To be considered for this position, you will have:

• Completion of a relevant degree with subsequent experience working with government and/or on policy issues (or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience).
• Demonstrated high level communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain effective government/university networks.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and analysis in relation to a diverse range of policy issues and topics to support IRU objectives. Strong writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under broad direction, exercise initiative in prioritising tasks and undertaking responsibilities and work effectively in a team where team members are not co-located.
• Demonstrated organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports/submissions, meeting papers and notes using Microsoft Office tools.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

PD - Govt Relations and Policy Advisor.pdf

Benefits

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• Flexible work arrangements
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Closing date: By 11:55pm on Sunday 12th April 2026

Position Enquiries: Paul Harris, Executive Director Innov Res Universities

Email: paul.harris@iru.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: recruitment@latrobe.edu.au

Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter, (three pages maximum) that addresses the essential criteria in the position description, and
• An up-to-date resume.

Please scroll down to apply.