Senior Education Policy Advisor

• Work within a values driven, progressive organisation
• Be part of an engaging team that thrives on challenges
• Part time opportunity with flexible work arrangements

MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people. 
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Early Years, Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.

Reporting to the Head of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations and working closely with the Principal of Hester Hornbrook Academy,  this role will identify, develop and implement multi-faceted policy, advocacy and government relations strategies that assists MCM and Hester Hornbrook Academy to understand and respond to strategic opportunities and risks; advance our social change and systems change agendas; and build our reputation as a thought leader in the education sector.
Duties of this role may include but are not limited to the following:
Social Policy and Research: 

• Contribute to organisational understanding of the external environment by monitoring and analysing news and information from government, peak bodies, advocacy groups/social movements, think tanks, academia, the social services sector, and other relevant stakeholder segments.
• Provide authoritative advice on trends and emerging issues, including news and information that presents risks or opportunities in relation to Hester Hornbrook Academy’s advocacy priorities (which include school and sector sustainability).
• Contribute expertise to external research partnerships and projects, including project management as required.

Advocacy:

• Work with the Head of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations, Principal of Hester Hornbrook Academy to identify public policy goals, and develop advocacy strategies that are timely, relevant, influential and measurable.
• Research, analyse and write content for policy and advocacy collateral, including – but not limited to –background briefings, position papers, journal articles, policy blogs and policy submissions and advocacy messaging.
• Support ‘student voice’ advocacy projects and initiatives (including embedding lived experience in policy submissions, events and other relevant forums).

Our ideal candidate will be able to successfully demonstrate the following key skills and attributes:

Essential:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or demonstrated experience in public policy relating to education.
• Experience working in the education sector and/or government, and a demonstrated understanding of the relationship between schools and government funding and policy.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex information, prioritise important points and synthesise information from different sources, and provide authoritative advice to Executive and senior management and external stakeholders.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice, restorative justice principles and the necessary skills to engage young people with multiple and complex needs.
• High-level written skills, including the ability to translate complex information or bureaucratic jargon into plain English and to tell stories.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships of trust, positively engage and influence internal and external stakeholders, negotiate briefs and manage expectations. 

Desirable:

• MCM highly values a diverse workforce and is recognised by the Diversity Council of Australia as an inclusive employer. We strongly encourage applications from people with a lived experience, First Nations People, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people of all ages and people who identify as LGBTIQ+.

• Diverse and inclusive organisation
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Screening Criteria

• National Police check
• Valid Victorian Drivers license
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role close: 20 April 2024 /or Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early.  Please include your current resume and cover letter.
Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities.  For assistance with your application please email: ***********@mcm.org.au

At MCM, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation. We know that diversity and inclusion helps us to attract, recruit, engage and retain a team of talented people. 

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.